Police chief requests three officers, new communications role and training funds in $14M budget pitch

Chief Adam Moore presented the police department’s 2026 operating budget to the Finance Committee, framing policing as a "people business" and noting that personnel account for the vast majority of costs. Moore described the department as authorized for 60 sworn officers with 54–56 currently filled and three additional officers in academy training. He asked the committee to consider funding three additional sworn positions in 2026 — two to increase patrol capacity for anticipated growth (including concerts and expanded downtown activity) and one to backfill an SRO role tied to the incoming Olentangy high school and the pre‑annexation agreement.

Moore also proposed hiring a civilian communications specialist to manage public information, community outreach, and parking administration support; he described civilianizing a former community relations function as a cost‑efficient way to maintain community engagement without diverting sworn officers from patrol. He highlighted training and wellness investments (including half‑hour wellness checks for every employee supported in part with ARPA funds), the purchase and maintenance of body‑worn camera equipment, and investments in forensic computing tools for digital evidence.

Chief Moore said the department will change the city jail to a temporary holding facility (short stays) beginning Jan. 1 to reduce liability and costs and to rely on the county jail for longer detentions. He noted progress on camera systems (flock safety network) and cited several cases where the camera network assisted investigations.

Moore closed by asking the committee to consider the requested increases and staffing additions to maintain community safety as the city grows. He said the full operating request equals roughly $14 million if the committee and council approve it.