Stockton Police Amp Up City Enforcement

STOCKTON (CBS13) - On Friday, police started a mission of increased enforcement around 3:00 p.m. and have made several arrests so far.

A long line of patrol cars headed out to the dangerous streets of Stockton on a mission to hunt criminals.

"This is the first time we've done it to this level in a long time," said Chief Eric Jones Stockton Police Department.

From the air and ground, 125 officers from a dozen law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and homeland security, are saturating the entire city of Stockton.

Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones says part of the reason there has been a spike in crime is because bad guys know there are fewer cops on the street.

"I feel the criminal element feels comfortable carrying and using guns," said Jones.

The steeped up enforcement comes after the city saw a record-breaking number of homicides last year; and so far, this year hasn't been any better.

Bullets hit Pastor Lico Sandvol's church in the heart of downtown Stockton. A man was killed in broad daylight, only a few blocks from the place of worship.

Sandvol is thrilled to see an increase in officers, but says suppression alone isn't the answer to help youngsters turn their backs on gangs.

"We are loosing control. Right now it's peaceful but they will show up like in the old western days, shoot you up and the street they go. That's the world we are living in," said Sandvol.

The mission is expected to go well into the night.