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Police ask for tech and FOIA support as department reports clustered shootings; chief cites stolen guns from vehicles
Summary
Chief Newdegate requested two non‑sworn positions — an IT technology manager and a FOIA specialist — and described recent clusters of shootings and staffing pressures from new camera programs and expanded technology.
Police Chief Newdegate updated council on the department’s FY26 operating request and recent public‑safety activity, asking for two civilian positions to manage technology and public‑records workload. "What we're gonna ask today, are some support positions. We're not asking for any additional sworn positions," Newdegate said, specifying an IT technology manager and a FOIA support position.
Newdegate said technology investments — including a real‑time crime center, body‑worn cameras and data systems — have been a "force multiplier" and need sustained civilian expertise rather than assigning sworn officers to technical roles. He said the department has had success reducing violent crime but now needs better staffing to maintain tools and handle a growing FOIA workload tied to video redactions and increased accident‑report demand.
The chief told council the department is preparing for expanded camera enforcement programs (red light, school bus stop arm and speed cameras). He said some camera programs are reimbursed through contracts, but the expected increase in automated enforcement notices will create more processing and redaction work for police and the courts.
Responding to council concerns about a recent cluster of shootings, Newdegate described several incidents over a short period that produced six shooting victims, including a 17‑year‑old in critical condition. He said detectives believe they had identified suspects and had taken those individuals into custody in the cases discussed. On gun sources he noted a recent rash of vehicle break‑ins in some neighborhoods: "Out of those 40 vehicles, 3 guns were taken... about 10% of all cars that are broken into... produce a gun into the community." He urged residents to secure firearms.
Council and the chief also discussed longer‑term staffing (recruiting lateral officers), the police role in the proposed drones program, and potential costs tied to pending state legislation (house bill cited by the chief) that could require sealing or resealing convictions.
