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Stockton council voices broad support to explore contract for Police Chief McFadden
Summary
Councilmembers and dozens of residents urged the city to negotiate a formal employment agreement for Chief Stanley McFadden, citing crime reductions, officer morale and community engagement; council directed the city manager to explore options and return with proposals.
Council members on Feb. 17 discussed offering Police Chief Stanley McFadden an employment agreement to retain department leadership.
Mayor Christina Fugazi opened the discussion by highlighting reductions in homicides and increased officer proactivity under the chief’s leadership, then asked the city manager to explore contract possibilities. “When people are doing well, we need to recognize them for doing well,” the mayor said.
Several council members publicly supported pursuing an employment contract that would provide stability and retention for the chief; some asked that any broader precedent be applied equitably to other department heads in future discussions. Councilman Blauer said he was open to exploring contracts but noted the city should consider whether similar agreements would be appropriate for other leaders.
Public comment on the item was overwhelmingly supportive: speakers from the Stockton Citizens Academy, business groups and neighborhood residents described the chief as visible, engaged and critical to recruitment and retention. Jean Tabon, a community stakeholder, said the chief’s focus on youth programs and community engagement reflected strong leadership. “Support him, support the police department. Give him a contract,” she said.
Council did not adopt terms at the meeting; instead, members directed the city manager to research and return with options and to consider implications for personnel policy and consistent application across departments.
