Police Department Seeks Major Budget Boost to Combat Crime

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical budgetary needs for the Pueblo Police Department, highlighting a proposed increase of $1.1 million to address various operational challenges. A significant portion of the budget is earmarked for code enforcement vehicles, with a request for $200,000 to maintain and replace aging vehicles, which currently lack dedicated funding.

The introduction of body-worn cameras has led to a surge in public records requests, creating a backlog that the department struggles to manage without additional staffing. The records section has seen a 19% increase in report processing, yet the current staffing levels, fluctuating between nine to thirteen personnel, are insufficient to handle the workload.

To enhance operational efficiency, the department is seeking to add personnel, including a full-time crime analyst to manage increased data from the newly established real-time crime center. This addition aims to improve the department's response to crime trends and ensure officers receive timely information.

Additionally, the proposal includes hiring two more Community Service Officers (CSOs) to alleviate the burden on patrol officers and expedite responses to non-emergency calls. The CSO program has proven effective in allowing sworn officers to focus on more serious incidents.

The meeting also touched on the need to civilianize the accreditation manager position, currently held by a corporal, to ensure compliance with best practices and maintain accreditation standards. This move is seen as vital for both operational integrity and potential legal protections.

Looking ahead, officials noted the necessity for future investments in technology, including upgraded radios and an incident command post vehicle, to enhance operational capabilities during critical incidents. The potential for a drone program was also discussed, which could provide real-time situational awareness during emergencies, although funding for this initiative is not currently included in the 2025 budget.

Concerns were raised regarding the allocation of resources, particularly the presence of school resource officers (SROs) versus community service officers in schools. The police chief defended the current model, emphasizing the importance of trained officers in ensuring student safety and maintaining community relationships.

Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing need for increased funding and staffing to address the growing demands on the Pueblo Police Department while ensuring public safety and operational efficiency.