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Port Washington police report staffing shortfall after 2026 budget cuts; digital-forensics software deferred
Summary
At the Oct. 13 PFC meeting, the police chief said the department is short-staffed after an off-duty injury and noted 2026 budget cuts that removed squad car replacements, additional officer positions, wellness visits and Cellebrite software; the chief said regional cost-sharing for digital-forensics software is being explored.
The Port Washington Police Department told the city’s Public Facilities Commission on Oct. 13 that it is operating below authorized staffing levels after an off-duty injury and will face equipment and personnel shortfalls next year due to cuts in the proposed 2026 budget.
Police Chief said one officer injured off duty will be out at least through the end of the year, creating overtime pressure and gaps in regular shift coverage. “We’re shorthanded again…we’ve got lots of overtime shifts posted,” the chief said.
The chief told commissioners that the items removed from the department’s proposed 2026 budget include scheduled squad car replacements, funding for additional officer positions, a wellness visit line and the Cellebrite digital-investigations software the department had sought. The chief said the department is exploring alternatives for Cellebrite, including a regional cost-share with other Ozaukee County agencies, but cautioned such arrangements would still require some city contribution and “a lot to be ironed out.”
Chair commissioners acknowledged the staffing and equipment concerns but did not direct immediate new funding at the meeting. The commission also acknowledged receipt of a public letter from Port resident Jean Boyer — also submitted to the Ozaukee Press — supporting additional police positions; the chair said Boyer’s points would be noted.
The chief did not provide a firm timeline for recruiting or for purchases that were cut from the draft budget. No formal action or vote on additional funding took place during the meeting.
