Class gets look at justice system

FEBRUARY 2009 - Each year, the Leadership Stockton class looks forward to the Justice System session. This session gives the class a glimpse of the various entities working together to make Stockton a safe place to live, work and play. January’s session did not disappoint. Though the day was full, the information was valuable, and the class left with a greater understanding of our local justice system.

The day began with a warm welcome to the Sheriff’s John Zunino Operations Center from Sheriff Steve Moore (Leadership Stockton Class of 1990), immediately followed by Deputy Chief Mark Helms (Leadership Stockton Class of 2000). Sheriff Moore provided an overview of the Sheriff Department’s operation of the jail facility, and a glimpse of the myriad of other duties which fall under his department.

The class was brought up to speed on the need of a new jail facility as well as the current status of the potential State Re-Entry Facility. Deputy Chief Helms spoke about crime and Stockton PD’s efforts to combat this hot issue. He provided great statistics that show we made some good progress in reducing crime in 2007, and the future looks encouraging. He was very candid and open when answering questions about crime, and spoke about the many ways citizens can assist with the fight.

Following the briefing from the Sheriff and Deputy Chief, the class was educated in “Gangs and Guns” by Sgt. Rodney Rego of the Stockton Police Department. Sgt. Rego’s presentation was Gangs 101 for most of the class, providing a visual guide to identifying many Stockton gangs, and the gang culture. Always a favorite with the class, this topic can be chilling and provides an unfiltered look at Stockton gangs.

After lunch came the jail tour, what many consider the highlight of the day. During the two-hour tour the class toured the French Camp facility visiting the intake, women’s area, the men’s area, administrative segregation, the medical clinic and the communications area. The jail facilities, which have a capacity of 1287 inmates (and are regularly above 1400), were impressive, clean, and staffed by a diverse team of dedicated deputies.

Following the tour the class debriefed about the session, focusing on what the learned. The class found the session, eye-opening, encouraging and frustrating all at the same time, and look forward to seeing the efforts of both agencies and its impact on our community.

Many folks were involved in the success of the Justice System session. A big THANK YOU goes to the following: Sheriff Moore and Deputy Chief Helms, both Leadership Stockton graduates, did a great job! Thank you to Sgt. Rego for his informative Gangs presentation. Also, thanks to Sheriff Moore for the generous use of his facilities and his very helpful staff, especially Sgt. Simmons and Officer de la Cruz for coordinating the jail tour.

See us here next month as we recap the Community Serving Community session to be held on February 13th. If you would like more information on Leadership Stockton or wish to sponsor a session, please contact Timm Quinn at 547-2770 or tquinn@stocktonchamber.org