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Police present FY26 request focusing on recruitment, analytics and accountability
Summary
New Castle County Police outlined goals for recruitment, technology deployment, training facilities and engagement with the Police Accountability Board while requesting two civilian FTEs to free sworn officers for patrol.
Colonel (Chief) Jamie Leonard presented the New Castle County Police Division’s FY26 priorities and budget drivers to County Council on May 22, focusing on recruitment and retention, expanded use of technology and work with the Police Accountability Board.
Leonard said recruitment and retention remain the chief short‑ and medium‑term priorities, and he wants the division to return to an authorized sworn strength of 415 officers. “We want to get back to 415 as quickly as possible,” Leonard said, noting current sworn strength reported at 352 with 28 recruits in the academy and hires in progress for upcoming classes.
The division requested two civilian positions — a canine trainer support staff role and a camera technician — that Leonard described as force multipliers allowing sworn officers to return to patrol. Leonard said the department also is converting one victim service officer position from grant (VOCA) funding to general fund support because VOCA’s federal funding is not sustainable.
Leonard outlined technology and analytic investments: a crime analytics tool funded in partnership with DEMA; an ongoing engagement with a vendor called Flock for a camera and drone first‑responder program; and continued rollout of a new evidence‑logging system that reduced evidence‑logging time by about 70%.
On public accountability and transparency, Leonard said the division continues to work with the Police Accountability Board monthly and expects recommendations to come forward; he said the department would evaluate best practices for timely release of body‑worn camera footage while balancing evidence preservation. “I favor full transparency,” he told council, and said he expects the accountability board to provide recommendations that the department will address.
Council members raised questions about gun seizures, crime statistics and the division’s workload. Councilman Street highlighted firearms taken off the street in recent years and commended the department’s work. Councilman Koneko asked about Flock technology and potential Fourth Amendment concerns; Leonard said the division will provide more details to council before making further procurement decisions.
No ordinance to change policy was voted on during the presentation; Leonard said an ordinance to raise retirement age to 57 was expected to come to council in June. Funding adjustments cited were mainly wage and benefit changes and contract growth driven by technology costs; Leonard said the police’s FY26 operating request represents a small percent change driven largely by these personnel and tech costs.
