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Albany leaders debate drones, pay and hiring as police present crime data
Summary
At a June 3 work session the Albany Police Department reported declining gunshot detections and ongoing homicide investigations while outlining plans for drones, license-plate readers and more civilian staff; commissioners and a public commenter pressed for more sworn officers and clearer budget increases tied to recruitment.
The Albany Police Department on June 3 told the City Commission it is using technology and civilian positions to extend public-safety coverage while also continuing active hiring and training efforts.
Chief Johnson, presenting an executive summary of January–April data, said monthly crime reports ranged from 561 in February to 665 in April and that clearance rates remained “consistently strong,” including an 89% clearance of investigative cases in February. He said Raven gunshot-detection activations fell from a January peak of 306 to 194 in April, a 36% decline.
The department outlined planned technology investments contingent on budget approvals: 24 additional license‑plate readers funded by a 2022 JAG grant, expanded camera and evidence‑storage capacity and a proposed drone program for first‑responder support. “We look at using technology not as a replacement for people, but as a force multiplier for our operations,” Chief Johnson said.
Why it matters
The discussion paired two persistent public concerns — staffing and visible patrols — with the…
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