Council reviews police substation options after data shows elevated violent crime in Kentfield
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Summary
Staff presented substation cost estimates and crime data for several candidate locations; Kentfield showed the highest violent‑crime rates in 2025 while Van Buskirk recorded high property crime. Residents urged follow‑through on a previously promised Western Ranch substation; council asked for more outreach and data and left decisions for a future action.
City staff and the Stockton Police Department presented updated options and cost estimates for neighborhood police substations during the March 31 meeting, and the discussion prompted strong public reaction from neighborhoods that have sought promised facilities.
Deputy City Manager Will Crew outlined site options and one‑time and ongoing cost estimates ranging from roughly $33,000 to $69,000 in start‑up items and modest annual costs for operating a staffed substation in leased retail space, with a larger Food‑4‑Less option showing higher one‑time costs. Police Captain Brad Burrell presented 2025 crime statistics for three candidate areas: Van Buskirk, Kentfield and Weston Ranch. The data showed Kentfield with substantially higher aggravated assaults and robberies in 2025, while Van Buskirk led in several property‑crime categories. Captain Burrell also reviewed a history of violent incidents in Kentfield, including an officer fatality in 2021 and an attempted murder of a sergeant in 2023.
Public commenters from Western Ranch urged council to keep the previously approved substation commitment for that neighborhood; other speakers asked council to ensure substations do not substitute for patrol staffing. Chief Stanley McFadden and council members stressed that substations are one part of a broader public‑safety strategy that includes community policing, SEOs (neighborhood enforcement officers), technology and partnerships.
Council members asked staff for additional district‑level outreach and further data and discussion before final decisions; some council members reiterated support for multiple substations in partnership with community and housing partners. No final substation appropriation was adopted at the meeting.
