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Sheriff David Hynes seeks technology, training and limited staffing increases in FY26 request
Summary
Sheriff David R. Hynes presented a FY26 request focused on software, expanded training and modest operating increases; he said he will pause major new hiring to emphasize retention and filling vacancies.
Hanover County Sheriff David R. Hynes presented his office’s budget request during the Feb. 26 board meeting, asking for operating increases principally to cover licensing for investigative and records software and to restore and expand training budgets.
Hynes said his office responded to more than 36,000 calls for service in 2024 and described reductions in five of the eight FBI index crimes, though he said aggravated assaults rose primarily because a single DUI incident affected many victims. He described the sheriff’s office’s community programs, including citizen police academies and neighborhood partnerships, and highlighted National Night Out recognition.
On personnel, Hynes said he had originally sought nine additional positions over three years but revised the plan: for FY26 he is not requesting new law‑enforcement headcount while focusing on retaining and refilling vacancies and leveraging technology and training. He did request 1 additional court deputy tied to a planned move of a forensic‑science headquarters to Hanover and asked for a kennel attendant and other limited courtroom and shelter support positions.
Why it matters: the sheriff framed software and training as force multipliers — ongoing subscription software and cloud storage costs have increased and the office needs training budgets to ensure deputies are prepared for complex and large‑scale events. Hynes cited grants and asset‑forfeiture proceeds as partial funding sources used for overtime, equipment and leadership training.
Key items - Law‑enforcement personnel: no new positions requested in FY26; focus on retention and refilling vacancies. - Judicial services: one court deputy requested for FY26 because of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science headquarters move. - Operating increases: software subscription/licensing and training increases account for the bulk of the operating request. - Capital: request includes a command vehicle for the unmanned aerial systems (drone) team; no new major capital equipment otherwise requested in FY26.
Board reaction: supervisors praised the office’s community engagement and the presence of deputies in schools. Several members expressed support for investments in training and retention. Hynes thanked the board for prior personnel investments and asked for continued attention to employee compensation and working conditions.
Ending: Hynes described the request as guided by stewardship and emphasized use of grants and forfeiture funds where possible to limit general‑fund impact.
