Bexley police outline staffing, K‑9 vehicle and slowdown initiatives in 2026 budget review
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Summary
Chief Lewis told council the department has 33 officers, wants a new education-and-outreach officer and requested capital for a dedicated K‑9 vehicle, speed-warning trailer(s) and security bollards. The items were presented as priorities in the second-reading budget discussion.
Bexley — The police department used Tuesday’s budget second-reading to press several staffing and capital priorities that officials say are aimed at recruitment, community outreach and public safety.
Chief Lewis said the department currently lists 33 sworn officers, with some out on extended light duty or disability, and described plans to create an education-and-outreach police officer role focused on youth engagement and school partnerships. The chief said the new role would free the current community liaison to focus on residents and businesses while the education-and-outreach officer would concentrate on student programming.
From a capital standpoint the department asked for one patrol car (down from typical multi-car asks), a state-of-the-industry vehicle to safely transport the department’s bomb-detection K‑9 (including heating/cooling and secure caging), and security bollards and facility upgrades at headquarters for improved building safety. Chief Lewis also described costs to outfit newly hired officers (about $11,000 per officer) and replacement cycles for ballistic vests (~$1,100 each every 4–6 years).
Traffic-calming measures were a second focus. The chief described the Slow Down Bexley program and requested a mobile, high-end speed-warning trailer capable of collecting real-time speed data and presenting educational warnings to motorists (staff clarified the device is intended as an educational tool, not a speed-enforcement camera). Councilors and staff discussed whether the request was for one or two trailers and whether existing, less costly radar signs could meet demand. Chief Lewis said mobile data would be posted publicly to inform residents and parents.
Councilors asked about enforcement strategies, parking enforcement capacity and whether the education role would be a reallocation or new position; chief and administration said the mayor tasked staff to identify funding sources and that some positions could be backfilled from current totals.