Surprise proposes new police and fire positions; police to expand traffic (motor) unit
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Summary
City staff proposed adding sworn and non-sworn positions to police and fire, including expansion of a motor traffic enforcement unit to address collisions and speeding concerns.
City of Surprise staff presented staffing increases for public safety as part of the FY2026 tentative budget on April 15, proposing additions to both fire/EMS and police to address growth and span-of-control concerns.
Andrea Davis, deputy city manager and CFO, said departments requested positions to maintain service levels and implement council priorities. For fire-medical, staff proposed firefighter additions and management-level positions including a deputy chief and battalion chief plus financial specialists and related vehicles and asset replacement.
Police Chief Moore described a police request that totals 20 new full-time positions across departments, with 15 sworn roles and approximately 13 new officer positions. Chief Moore said the department currently has 87 sworn officers. He told council the FY2026 package would expand traffic enforcement: "Right now, we currently have a sergeant and 8 motors. ... with 15 total, about 8 motor officers, and then the rest will go patrol to supplement patrol." He added motor officers perform traffic enforcement, respond to collisions and conduct traffic investigations for serious and fatal collisions.
Vice Mayor Hastings and other council members emphasized resident concerns about speeding and roadway safety. Hastings observed that the motor-unit additions address constituent priorities, and Chief Moore replied: "Absolutely correct. Yes."
Staff said training, technology and equipment for public safety are included in the request to support the new personnel. Council did not take final action on staffing at the work session; staff will return with the tentative budget for formal action on May 6.
