The mission of the Lodi Police Department is clear: to ensure the safety and security of our community by reducing crime, building strong partnerships, and investing in their team to prepare for the future. On Tuesday, August 13th, the Leadership Lodi Class of 2024 had the unique opportunity to spend the day with some of the 209’s very finest—the dedicated members of the Lodi Police Department.

This was no ordinary day. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the Lodi PD is deeply committed to serving our community in ways most of us may not fully realize. Here’s a glimpse into what we experienced:

• A Tour of the Lodi Police Department: We began our day with a comprehensive tour, where we got an inside look at the daily operations of the department.

• Arial Surveillance Capabilities: The team gave us an impressive demonstration of their aerial surveillance tools, showcasing how they keep an eye on the community from above.

• EOD Team Tactics and Capabilities: We witnessed the precision and skill of the Lodi PD’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, who are trained to handle the most dangerous situations.

• Traffic Unit Motorcycle Demonstration: The Traffic Unit officers wowed us with their motorcycle skills!.

• Canine Unit Demonstration: One of the highlights of the day was meeting one of the department’s canine officers. The level of training and the bond between the handler and the dog was amazing.

• Mobile Operations Command Center Walkthrough: We were given a tour of the department’s state-of-the-art Mobile Operations Command Center, a crucial asset in managing critical incidents.

Beyond these demonstrations, we also learned about the various departments and functions that keep the Lodi PD running smoothly:

• The Office of Professional Standards
• The Property and Evidence Room
• School Resource Officers
• Animal Services
• Dispatch and Jail Operations
• Community Liaison
• SWAT
• Gangs and Narcotics Division
• Mobile Field Force (MFF)

We left with a deep appreciation for the breadth and depth of the Lodi Police Department’s work. Their dedication to the health and well-being of Lodi and its residents is nothing short of inspiring.

A special thanks goes out to Chief Ricardo Garcia, Lt. Sean Blanford (one of our own, from the Leadership Lodi Class of 2024), and Lt. Josh Redding. We are grateful to them and to all the officers and staff who took the time to share their knowledge and experiences with us. Their commitment to our community is evident in everything they do.