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Police budget cuts shift positions, freeze civilians and delay some academy starts
Summary
Police Chief Adrian Vasquez told council the department reduced operating costs and eliminated certain civilian and lab positions, froze ~13.75 civilian FTEs, and delayed academy start dates to save costs while investing in technology and sworn step progressions.
Chief Adrian Vasquez presented the Police Department’s 2026 budget request and explained how personnel and operating changes were made to meet the citywide reductions.
Vasquez said the department’s authorized sworn strength is 839 officers and that the budget and staffing numbers reflect a mix of authorized positions, frozen/unfunded positions and position transfers. He reported the department eliminated (RIF’ed) two crime-lab chemist positions after concluding that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation could handle higher‑level testing needed for trials and that the department’s chemists were primarily providing qualitative testing "at time of trial." He also described consolidation of facilities and fleet functions with citywide fleet services and the transfer of several civilian positions out of the police budget.
On compensation, Vasquez said sworn step progressions are included (an average increase ~1.3%), which costs about $1.5 million for police; the department offset those costs with $6.6 million in reductions including vehicle-replacement savings and operating cuts. Vasquez emphasized a focus on maintaining officer safety and minimum staffing for calls for service even while trimming overtime and community engagement activities.
Vasquez described technology investments as a priority: implementation of Axon body‑camera and records‑management systems, CAD improvements, drones for first-response uses and other tools he said would increase efficiency. He said the department is exploring alternative fees (records and alarm fees, a potential public‑safety technology surcharge) to help fund required technology and reporting mandates; any such fee would require council approval.
On recruitment and academy timing, the chief said the department planned three academies in 2026 but delayed start dates by about two months in order to save payroll costs. He said the delay changes when new officers reach the street but the department intends to hire roughly the same numbers in 2026–27 if conditions allow. Council members asked about smaller or lateral academies and alternatives if applicants are available.
Vasquez concluded by listing department priorities—staffing, technology and community sense-of-safety—and said that while staffing remains the top priority, technology investments will help the department adapt to hiring shortfalls.
