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Bel Air Police ask for one officer, extra dispatcher and $226,000 in surveillance equipment in FY2026 budget
Summary
Police Chief Chuck Boor told town commissioners the department needs one additional sworn officer, a full‑time dispatcher, funds to cover body cameras and TASER training, and a $226,000 purchase of AI-enabled surveillance cameras as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget review.
Bel Air Police Chief Chuck Boor told the Board of Town Commissioners during the April 15 budget work session that the department is requesting one additional sworn officer for FY2026, conversion of a vacant part‑time dispatcher slot into a full‑time dispatcher, and several equipment purchases tied to crime‑fighting and officer safety.
The chief said the department’s sworn salary line is budgeted at $2,957,000 for FY2026 and includes the single new officer. Boor described operational pressures driving the staffing request: local retail theft “syndicates,” heavy overtime driven by unfilled positions and major incidents, and the need for reliable radio‑room coverage during peak periods and large emergencies. He said a full‑time dispatcher will reduce reliance on overtime and strengthen coverage for the 47 cameras the department already…
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