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Police chief reports staffing gains and outlines quality-of-life push as committee probes overtime and lost grants
Summary
Chief Maurice Aguilar told the Budget & Finance Committee the department has improved retention and is increasing recruitment but remains understrength by roughly two dozen officers. The committee reviewed year-to-date budget variances, flagged overtime and vacation buyback overruns, and asked for follow-up on lost grants and the budgetary impact of the new police headquarters.
Police Chief Maurice Aguilar and support‑services director Rosa Shepard presented a year‑to‑date review of the Lawrence Police Department budget at the Budget & Finance meeting on March 11. Chief Aguilar said the department has seen “100% retention” since his arrival—reporting no officers left in approximately nine months—while simultaneously noting the department remains understaffed by roughly 24–25 positions, a shortfall that continues to drive overtime costs.
The chief also outlined operational changes and cost controls he has implemented: eliminating unnecessary cable subscriptions, downsizing…
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