Police Chief demands funding to equip under-resourced SWAT team

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the funding and operational challenges faced by the local SWAT team and police department. The department currently has 43 vacancies, highlighting a significant staffing issue. The SWAT team has historically been underfunded, with members previously required to purchase their own weapons and gear. This year marks a turning point, as the department has begun to allocate funds for essential equipment, including firearms and ballistic vests, which were previously out-of-pocket expenses for officers.

The department's leadership expressed optimism about upcoming staffing improvements, with 22 officers currently in training and plans for additional recruits in the near future. By the end of October, 11 officers are expected to be operational, with further training academies scheduled for November. However, the chief acknowledged that full staffing may not be achieved until late 2025.

Concerns were raised regarding the department's operating budget, which has not been adequately funded in recent years. Comparisons were made to the Greeley Police Department, which operates on a significantly lower budget despite having a larger overall city budget. The disparity in operating budgets was attributed to differences in the number of authorized officers and their respective salaries and benefits.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in law enforcement funding and the need for a reevaluation of budget allocations to ensure that officers are properly equipped and supported in their roles.