Police chief asks for two officers, new captain and library cameras as city grows
Loading...
Summary
The police chief recommended adding two officers to create an overlap 'power shift' and requested a new captain position and a replacement, fully outfitted patrol vehicle. The chief also requested 11 library cameras and reported ongoing fleet replacement needs; he cited reduced crime but rising service demand and potential overtime savings.
The Kennedale Police Chief told the council at a June 2 budget workshop that the department is requesting two additional sworn officers, a new captain (or equivalent administrative position) and one replacement fully‑outfitted patrol vehicle.
On staffing, the chief said the two officers would create a “power shift” (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) to provide coverage during a high‑call window, reduce overtime and give the department more on‑shift capacity for critical incidents. He said hiring two officers would increase sworn staff to 24. The chief described the personnel request as intended to reduce overtime and improve shift coverage: “Power shift's not a new concept in policing… it really helps with, especially, those late calls.”
The chief requested a new administrative position he described as a captain but said he would accept a lieutenant performing similar administrative duties; the presentation listed a total budgetary impact for a captain at about $151,980 (including salary and benefits). He also requested one new patrol vehicle fully outfitted at $77,000 and noted a continuing multi‑year fleet replacement need — the department has multiple aging Tahoes and several unmarked units in service or on loan.
On technology and facilities, the chief asked for 11 library cameras (quoted at $8,500) to cover the expanded library space; he said the cameras would be added to the same vendor platform the city uses for city‑hall cameras and would record on the city’s system. The chief also noted an interlocal purchasing contract total shown in his packet: “The total asking price is 84,432.70,” and said the library camera purchase is a library expenditure.
The council asked whether the new officer hires would be experienced recruits and whether the captain would require a vehicle; the chief said the city would hire the best available candidates and would find a vehicle for the administrative position from the existing fleet if needed. He also agreed to follow up with a potential estimate of overtime savings that could offset salary costs.
No hiring or purchase decisions were finalized at the workshop; requests were presented for council consideration in the FY26 budget cycle.
