Palatka Police presented a budget “wish list” that included a request for one full‑time civilian crime analyst, equipment replacement funding and capital repairs to department facilities.

Police leadership described current staffing and said officers and supervisors are spending time compiling and interpreting data that a dedicated crime analyst could perform. The department requested a full‑time crime analyst “to enhance data-driven policing strategy” and listed duties including collecting, analyzing and disseminating crime data to support operations, investigations and planning. The department said neighboring jurisdictions and Putnam County have dedicated analysts and that the analyst would support camera, social-media and incident-data analysis.

On capital and equipment needs, police asked for replacements and upgrades including: Toughbook laptops for patrol, replacement Tasers and batteries (the department said some units are no longer supported), portable radar units, AEDs for supervisor vehicles and a new community-service trailer. The department also cited ongoing range‑complex improvements and a parking-lot repair shared with the fire department (an estimate of roughly $22,000 for the shared lot repair was cited).

Chief leadership stressed these requests are a wish list and acknowledged fiscal constraints; commissioners urged prioritization and noted the overall budget is under pressure. The department did not record any formal approvals at the workshop; staff said they would continue to refine priorities and costs.

Ending

Police staff will provide final cost estimates and prioritization for the requested civilian analyst and capital items during the next budget cycle review.