Capitola police officials outlined staffing gaps, rising overtime and technology shortfalls as part of the city’s budget review, telling council members they are seeking both near‑term operational relief and longer‑term capital investment.

Chief Ryan (police chief) described continuing vacancies that leave patrol short‑staffed, forcing mandatory 12‑hour shifts and resulting overtime. Ryan said the department currently has several officers in training or the academy and is actively recruiting; she estimated that hiring an officer who still needs academy training can take roughly a year from hire to full solo patrol.

On technology, the department reported an urgent need to upgrade radio infrastructure countywide. Chief Ryan and staff explained a proposed county radio project will replace antiquated equipment and improve interoperability, safety and DOJ compliance; the city’s share is estimated to be in the tens of thousands annually and staff proposed splitting funding sources across general fund and special revenue accounts.

Police also reported gaps in interview‑room recording infrastructure and evidence‑management workflows. The department has been relying on body and in‑car cameras but said the interview room lacks integrated multi‑camera capability; staff are evaluating an expanded Axon contract but paused a near‑term purchase after learning some vendor packages include third‑party IT integration costs.

Councilors pressed for clearer breakdowns of overtime costs and asked staff to return with a line‑by‑line explanation of overtime amounts and the offsetting revenues that apply to special events and other cost centers. Chief Ryan said she expects to present that breakdown at the next facts/advisory meeting.

On fleet and equipment, police said several marked vehicles exceed roughly 90,000 miles and the department is requesting one replacement vehicle in the current capital plan, with the chief noting a longer‑term plan ideally calls for two vehicles per year to maintain the fleet. The department also reported continuing interest in grants for overtime relief and equipment, and said it will apply where eligible.