Michael Fuller addresses Lake Havasu Council on police pay and staffing concerns

In the heart of Lake Havasu City, a pressing issue unfolded during a recent budget work session, as Michael Fuller, president of the Lake Havasu Police Officers Association, voiced deep concerns regarding the city's police department. With a palpable sense of urgency, Fuller highlighted the stark realities facing local law enforcement, including significant pay disparities and a troubling number of vacancies.

Fuller began by referencing a comprehensive market study presented to the City Council earlier this year, which revealed that Lake Havasu police officers are compensated 15 to 18 percent below the market average. This alarming statistic is compounded by the fact that the department currently faces ten vacancies, a situation that has left many officers feeling frustrated and undervalued.

To illustrate the impact of these issues, Fuller shared poignant stories of two officers, referred to as Officer A and Officer B. Despite both officers performing the same duties, Officer B has been unable to advance to a senior police officer position due to a suspension of that role over a decade ago. This suspension has resulted in Officer B earning approximately $6,407 less annually than Officer A, leading to a staggering $60,000 pay gap over the years. Fuller emphasized that this inequity extends to other officers as well, creating a growing sense of discontent within the department.

Reflecting on his own journey, Fuller recounted his decision to join the Lake Havasu City Police Department nearly two decades ago, drawn by competitive salaries and benefits. However, he lamented the stark contrast to the present day, where the department has seen minimal growth in officer positions despite the city's expansion. Currently, the department operates with only 70 sworn officers, far below the budgeted 80, raising concerns about the ability to maintain proactive policing.

Fuller concluded with a call to action, urging the City Council to address these pressing issues before the department faces further decline. He expressed hope that with commitment from both the officers and the city, Lake Havasu City can once again become a desirable place for law enforcement professionals. As the meeting adjourned, the weight of Fuller’s words lingered, underscoring the critical need for change in the city’s approach to police compensation and staffing.