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Police seek one additional officer and administrative sergeant to increase street patrol capacity; capital request includes two patrol car replacements
Summary
The police department told council it is requesting one additional full‑time officer (to advance a reserve officer to full time) and the creation of an administrative sergeant role to free patrol sergeants for field duty; the public safety capital fund seeks routine vehicle and equipment replacements.
Brighton Police Department leaders asked the City Council to approve staffing and capital requests in the upcoming budget. Chief-level speakers said the department seeks to convert a reserve officer to a full‑time sworn position and to create an administrative sergeant position so patrol sergeants can be returned to road duty.
Chief (identified in session as Frank) and Deputy Chief described how shifting administrative duties to a dedicated administrative sergeant would serve as a force multiplier. The department said having sergeants focused on supervision and patrol increases available officers on the road and improves response capacity during peak hours; the chief said the department expects a reserve officer who is hired and academy‑bound to be road ready through the FTO program by May or June 2026 once fully certified.
Capital requests: The public safety capital fund (a 0.5‑mill renewal that was approved in 2023 and rolled back to 0.4969 mills) includes two annual patrol car replacements, patrol car accessories, downtown camera system equipment, computer hardware, tasers, portable radio microphones, and facility cabinet/countertop replacement. Staff provided a line‑item summary and said some equipment purchases will be recurring annual requests to maintain fleet and technology.
Why it matters: The staffing change is framed as both a succession and service improvement step that increases field staffing without immediately expanding the total headcount by many positions. Council members discussed traffic enforcement needs and the use of visible/deterrent patrol strategies.
What's next: The council will consider the police staffing and capital items within the overall budget adoption process and capital plan.
