A matter of trust: Inside Stockton’s Police Department and the residents they serve

Harika Maddala is a Bay City News staff photojournalist, CatchLight Local Fellow and Report for America corps member who documents everyday Stockton. 

Maddala’s CatchLight Local Fellowship project, “A Matter of Trust: Inside Stockton’s Police Department and the Residents They Serve,” compiles visual stories from 2022 with additional reporting by Victoria Franco. It explores the dynamics of trust between Stockton residents and police, focusing on families and individuals feeling broken trust, while also looking into the department’s efforts to bridge the gap.

The project covers events in Stockton, starting with news of a serial killer who shot at least six people between April 2021 and October 2022 and left one survivor. The police noticed a pattern; the suspect seemed to be targeting homeless Hispanic men. 

Each stand-alone photo offers a unique presentation designed by the Four Corners Project and produced in collaboration with Bay City News and CatchLight Local. Click on each corner of the image to see the photo’s caption, related photos, related story, background information, and certification that verifies its authenticity. Included is a certificate from the Content Authenticity Initiative verifying where and when it was made and confirming that it hasn’t been inappropriately manipulated.

In response, police held a community walk on Oct. 13 at homeless encampments in the city. Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden, who replaced Eric Jones in June, and officers distributed pamphlets with a description of the suspect, requesting information about him. The outreach event attracted the media, with many news outlets documenting the new chief’s first time walking the encampments and seeking his comments.

Other police engagement events included community walks, National Coffee with a Cop Day and the Christmas Toy Project — a heartening initiative in which police distribute presents to people who endured violence or crime. In December, officers visited families of victims lost to the serial killer as well as the family of a high school girl who was fatally stabbed

At a vigil Oct. 19 honoring the serial killer victims, emotions ran high as relatives of Lorenzo Lopez, who died Sept. 27, thanked police for their progress in solving the case.

But the spontaneous event marked a turning point in the CatchLight project, because it was organized by the community, not orchestrated by the police.

Amid the positive interaction, Natasha LaTour, the sole survivor of the killer’s rampage, said police, under former chief Jones, didn’t respond satisfactorily when she reached out to them. During the vigil, however, McFadden and public information officer Joe Silva apologized for mishandling her case. Her story raised concerns about trust between the community and the police, highlighting the need for better communication.

The case of Stephanie Hatten’s son Antwaune Burrise Jr., who was fatally shot by the police while allegedly attempting to flee in his car in July 2020, also raised questions about trust in authorities. Hatten’s family members insist Burrise was disabled and couldn’t run. They dispute police account of events, raising questions about accountability and justice.

What I discovered

Working on the project, it became evident that Stockton residents have varying degrees of confidence and faith in the police, depending on their personal experiences.

Police efforts to foster trust are exemplified in continued community events and the arrival of McFadden. Under his leadership, the department is addressing the health and safety of its officers by establishing a wellness unit as well as striving to recruit more personnel to overcome shortages.

The chief also has been engaging with Stockton residents and business owners in door-to-door visits in attempts to better connect community and police.

However, solutions to the department’s approach to addressing some residents’ concerns remain elusive. For families like Stephanie Hatten’s, the trauma and lack of answers surrounding their loss continues to weigh heavily.

The new chief’s emphasis on officer well-being and community interactions signals a commitment to improving relationships. However, grievances of families affected by the department’s actions continue to be challenging, requiring attention and, ultimately, resolution.

Stockton in pictures: 2023

This series was produced by Bay City News in collaboration with CatchLight as part of the CatchLight Local CA Visual Desk. Learn more about CatchLight Local’s collaborative model for local visual journalism at catchlight.io/local

Supported by Bay City News Foundation

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