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Residents press for resources, training and court improvements to keep Oro Valley safe
Summary
Community members sought reassurances about police staffing, court security and school safety. Judge Hazel described a $3.2 million phased court expansion to improve lobby, attorney space and a secure prisoner-holding area; OVPD said traffic contacts rose in 2024 and that training and technology are priorities.
Residents used the Feb. 13 working-group session to press town staff and police about funding, staffing and training needed to preserve Oro Valley's low-crime reputation.
Several participants emphasized public-safety resources as essential to the town's economy and quality of life. "Public safety is a huge issue for attracting people to our town," said Bill Roe, who asked whether budgets match current needs.
Judge Hazel, who joined the session virtually, explained the rationale and scope of an ongoing city-court expansion. "Our court building was extremely antiquated," she said, outlining a $3.2 million project split into four phases to add a secure lobby, attorney meeting rooms, expanded workspace and a prisoner holding area or "Sally Port," with construction starting in April and finishing in the fall.
OVPD commanders described workforce shifts and training efforts. Sgt. Marshall Morris and Commander Mike Gracie said the department has seen retirements and a wave of newer officers; despite that transition, OVPD reported roughly 6,000 more traffic stops in 2024 than in 2023 and emphasized continued emphasis on community-oriented policing and traffic enforcement when feasible.
Residents also raised school-safety concerns and asked for more continuous reviews of school safety plans rather than one-off summer checks. Parents and teachers said ongoing funding to support resource officers, anti-bullying efforts and regular safety audits would reassure families.
No budget decisions were made during the meeting. Staff told participants their comments would be consolidated with earlier input and used in drafting goals, policies and actions that will be reviewed at the next working-group meeting on Feb. 27.
