Police Department resumes control of detail management, recovers $250K in revenue

During the recent Fall River City Council meeting held on June 5, 2025, significant discussions centered around the management of police details and budget allocations, highlighting the city's efforts to enhance operational efficiency and revenue generation.

One of the key topics was the decision to revert to an in-house management system for police details, which had previously been outsourced to a company called Extra Duty Solutions. This change was prompted by concerns over the loss of control and communication issues experienced by patrol officers. The city had been paying approximately $250,000 to the outsourcing firm, which was deemed excessive given the budget constraints. Since bringing the management back in-house, the city has reportedly seen a substantial increase in revenue, with projections indicating a potential return of over $400,000.

Additionally, the council discussed the implementation of a cruiser fee associated with police details, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Duval Street project. This fee, currently set at $17 per hour, has generated approximately $336,000 over the past two fiscal years. The funds from this fee are earmarked for purchasing new cruisers, with one already acquired this year. The ongoing revenue stream from these details is expected to support future capital needs for the police department.

The meeting also touched on budgetary adjustments for traffic signal maintenance, which saw an increase of $40,000. This adjustment aims to address the aging infrastructure of traffic signals throughout the city. The discussion revealed that previous budget revisions had reduced funding for this line item, necessitating the current increase to ensure proper maintenance and updates.

Furthermore, the council reviewed changes in line items related to medical supplies and bulletproof vests. The introduction of a dedicated medical supply line was noted as a move towards greater transparency in budgeting. The bulletproof vest line item was adjusted to reflect a reimbursement model, where the city receives 100% reimbursement for purchases, thus eliminating the need for a large budget allocation for this expense.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Fall River City Council meeting underscored a proactive approach to managing police operations and budgetary constraints. The shift back to in-house management of police details and the strategic use of revenue from cruiser fees are expected to bolster the city's financial health while enhancing public safety services. As the council continues to navigate these changes, the focus remains on optimizing resources and addressing community needs effectively.