Police Department outlines staffing and operational needs for enhanced community engagement

During the recent Queen Creek Town Council Budget Meeting held on April 17, 2025, significant discussions centered around enhancing public safety and community engagement through proposed staffing increases within the police department. The meeting highlighted a request for additional personnel aimed at improving oversight, response times, and community relations.

One of the key proposals involved hiring a Professional Standards Lieutenant to streamline the handling of community complaints and feedback. The police department currently utilizes various systems to gather input from residents, including surveys and online feedback channels. This new position is expected to consolidate oversight and improve the department's responsiveness to community concerns.

In addition to the oversight role, the police department is seeking to add three officers to bolster patrol units during peak hours. This request comes in response to rising incidents of DUI and property crimes, particularly in areas under construction. The department aims to enhance its operational capacity to address these challenges effectively.

The meeting also addressed the need for a dedicated traffic unit to focus on DUI suppression, as past data indicates a correlation between fatal accidents and substance-related offenses. The proposed traffic unit would operate in conjunction with existing motorcycle units, ensuring a comprehensive approach to traffic safety.

Furthermore, the council discussed expanding the Youth Engagement Unit, which has already received positive feedback for its proactive approach to youth-related issues. An additional staff member is proposed to enhance the unit's capacity to address problems in schools and the community.

The budget meeting also touched on the need for more detectives in the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) to manage increasing cases of fraud and larceny. Additionally, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit is facing a backlog of cases, prompting a request for more resources to ensure timely investigations.

Overall, the proposed budget adjustments reflect a commitment to enhancing public safety and community engagement in Queen Creek. The council's discussions indicate a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of the community, with a focus on transparency and responsiveness. As these proposals move forward, residents can expect improvements in local law enforcement's ability to serve and protect the community effectively.