Police chief urges modernization, equipment upgrades and retention efforts as Scappoose aims to sustain patrol staffing

The Scappoose police chief presented a departmental budget overview to the budget committee on May 12, emphasizing recruitment, retention and modernization while asking for funding for vehicles and equipment to support a largely unchanged patrol size.

"One of the biggest items I'll be asking for within this budget... was a control vehicle to start the process of getting those retro printed," the police chief said, describing a vehicle purchase cost in the high $80,000 range and the need to rotate aging units in the fleet.

Why it matters: The police department is funded from the general fund; rising personnel and equipment costs have been cited by city staff as major contributors to the overall general-fund pressure the city faces.

Key details: - Staffing: The chief said the budget holds patrol at a 12-officer standard and noted a department target of roughly 17 officers overall. The department did not request additional officers in the FY2026 budget; hiring remains active and multi-step background and medical checks lengthen the onboarding timeline. - Compensation and contracts: The recent collective bargaining agreement with the local police union raised wages by 14% and provided a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, increases the chief said are reflected in the FY2026 personnel budget. - Equipment and capital: The chief requested replacement of aging patrol vehicles (fleet of about 10 vehicles, with several more than 10 years old) and said an individual patrol vehicle is estimated in the high-$80,000 range when upfitting is included. The chief also asked for laptops, in-vehicle technology and a modern locker/property system to improve evidence and property custody. - School resource officer: The chief said a dedicated school officer had been discussed with the school district and that implementation depends on district support; if adopted it could be half-funded by the district and would likely be considered in a later budget year.

Discussion and next steps: Committee members pressed on hiring timelines, overtime expectations and where the department's costs sit in the city budget. The chief said fully staffing patrol would reduce overtime but that getting new hires through background checks and certifications can take months. Funding requests for vehicles and technology will be considered alongside other capital priorities and contingent grant or loan availability.

Ending: The chief characterized the budget as prioritizing retention and modernization to maintain existing service levels without adding staff this fiscal year; council and finance staff will weigh those requests as part of the larger FY2026 deliberations.