Albany police cite technology and hires as strategy amid staffing gaps; drone purchase on hold

Chief Johnson of the Albany Police Department and Major Victor Camp briefed the City Commission on public‑safety activity, staffing and technology on June 3, saying the department is pursuing cameras, license‑plate readers and a drone program as force multipliers while continuing recruitment.

Chief Johnson said monthly total crime reports ranged from 561 in February to 665 in April and that investigators cleared a high percentage of investigative cases (he cited a clearance rate of about 89% in February). He said Raven gunshot‑detection activations were highest in January at 306 and fell to 194 in April, a 36% decline from January levels. Chief Johnson reported responding homicide investigations for the first five months of the year and said some remained active and under investigation.

On technology, the chief described existing and planned tools: Raven gunshot detection, a Camera Connect program integrating business cameras, an active evidence vault, the Flock license‑plate‑reader network and analytics. He said 24 new license‑plate readers will deploy pending approval of funding from the 2022 JAG grant. About the drone initiative he said the purchase and deployment are “on hold pending FY approval” but advocated for a phased approach and for using non‑sworn staff to operate technology where possible.

Chief Johnson argued technology complements officers rather than replaces them, saying, "I can't put a police officer on every corner, but I can just about put cameras on every corner." He described drones and camera trailers as tools that can be launched quickly to a scene and relay information to officers.

Major Victor Camp summarized the Albany‑Dougherty Special Investigative Unit (SIU), which merged drug and gang units in January 2024 and now includes city and county personnel. Camp said SIU recovered 107 guns last year while short‑staffed and that, with fuller staffing so far this year, investigators have recovered 60 handguns through May, including firearms modified with switches. He said many gun cases are being adopted by the U.S. Attorney's Office under Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Several commissioners and members of the public reiterated a preference for more officers on patrol even as the chief outlined technology investments. Commissioners and the chief agreed the city must continue recruitment and retention work and expand community engagement.

Ending: Department leaders asked the commission to consider continued investment in technology and staffing; no formal funding decision on the drone or license‑plate readers was made at the work session.