Saco Police highlights hiring gains, accreditation and IT upgrade plans in FY2026 presentation
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Summary
Chief Jack Clements reported improved recruiting, statewide accreditation, radio system upgrades and a countywide records-management technology project; most FY2026 cost increases are personnel and benefits tied to market adjustments.
Chief Jack Clements told the council on April 7 that the Saco Police Department is making progress on recruiting and staff retention, highlighting newly achieved statewide accreditation and planned technology upgrades.
"We're doing actually much, much better," Clements said, adding, "our employees are our most valuable asset." He reported the department is funded for 57 full‑time employees (sworn and civilian), has several candidates deep in background checks and is actively recruiting for a school‑resource officer position.
Why it matters: Clements said most of the department’s FY2026 net increase is personnel and benefit costs tied to cost‑of‑living and market adjustments. He told council the operating budget was trimmed where possible—resulting in a reported 1.7% increase to operating costs—while absorbing pay adjustments without asking for emergency contingency funds in 2025.
Clements described two multi‑year projects: a radio system upgrade being installed on local towers and a planned countywide replacement of an antiquated computer-aided dispatch and records management system (CAD/RMS) in collaboration with York County; Saco has set aside capital funds and is selecting a vendor for the countywide purchase and phased integration.
Councilors asked about service details and revenue lines. Councilor Berman asked about Camp Ellis Fund transfers and whether a harbor patrol would restart; Clements said Camp Ellis funding historically covered harbor‑patrol boat fuel and that a restart would be contingent on staffing both in Saco and partner Biddeford.
Chief Clements also said Freedom of Access Act requests (public records requests) have increased—particularly for video and body‑worn camera footage—and that the department’s social worker reported 1,140 outreach attempts year‑to‑date with 850 contacts. He described a newly converted former firearms range now used for fitness and training after decontamination.
Ending: The council thanked the chief and city administrator noted the council’s decision to fund pay adjustments in 2025 helped recruitment. Clements said he expects to request additional resources if operational pressures such as redaction and records workload continue to grow.
