Leesburg Police Chief (identified in presentation as Chief Pernat) updated the council during the Oct. 27 budget work session on staffing, grant awards and enforcement programs.

The chief said the department totals 87 sworn officers and 24 non‑sworn staff and that approximately 88% of the police operating budget is personnel costs. He reported 12 officer vacancies and two dispatcher vacancies and said recruiting and retention remain a national challenge. He noted 65% of patrol officers have fewer than three years of service, which creates a need for focused leadership and training as employees move through early career stages.

The department described recent grant successes: roughly $75,000 for in‑car and body‑worn camera enhancements and a two‑year mental‑health grant of about $60,000 for employee wellness and peer‑support programming. The department also secured grant funding for license‑plate readers (LPRs) and has added enforcement tools such as speed cameras in school zones.

On speed cameras, the chief said the initial weeks saw more than 1,200 warnings in the first four weeks and then 836 citations over the subsequent five weeks; the department said early patterns indicate changed driving behavior but noted external factors such as federal government workforce changes could affect traffic volumes. Councilmembers asked about how speed‑camera revenue will be used; the chief and staff said the town budgeted only a modest amount for FY2026 that reflects restrictions in proposed state legislation and that future use may be limited if the General Assembly enacts constraints.

Councilmembers also discussed technology costs, equipment lifecycle and the elevated costs of protective equipment and training. The chief said some capital needs are being met with seized assets and grants but acknowledged ongoing expense pressure for equipment with limited shelf life.