By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Lathrop now looking for police commanders for its new department
lathrop logo

The City of Lathrop could soon be adding the next piece of its law enforcement puzzle.

On Monday at the close of business the city formally closed the application period for the position of police commander – of which the city will be hiring two positions to serve as the managerial administration of the newly-formed police department.

Lathrop Police Chief Raymond Bechler – who was formally announced the city’s first ever standalone police chief back in September – will play the primarily role in selecting from the pool of candidates two individuals that will report directly to him.

According to the job listing posted online, the two commanders will oversee planning, directing, supervising, and coordinating “the activities of any assigned major programs and activities of the department” as well assuming command as assigned and overseeing department supervisors.

An assessment will be held the week of Nov. 1, and the results of that examination will factor into the decision of who will assume the two command positions when the police department comes online on July 1, 2022.

Earlier this month the Lathrop City Council solved one of the lingering questions surrounding the transfer of authority from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office – which has provided police protection for the residents of Lathrop for more than three decades – to the City of Lathrop by agreeing to ink a 10-year contract with the City of Ripon for dispatch services.

The City of Ripon has recently advertised that they are hiring full-time dispatchers, and Lathrop will assume a nearly $1 million liability to pay for the ongoing services that it needs to maintain its own department. Evidence processing and storage is still something that has been identified as needed but has not yet been formally addressed by the council.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.