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Police chief previews FY2026–27 budget, highlights evidence unit strain and reclassification plan
Summary
Police Chief Daryl Hunter presented a zero‑based FY2026–27 budget focused on public safety, community engagement and operational efficiencies; he described a 245‑employee department, evidence‑room staffing shortfalls, technology upgrades, and proposals to reclassify administrative tasks to professional staff to preserve sworn officers for patrol.
Delray Beach Police Chief Daryl Hunter briefed the City Commission on May 5 on the department's zero‑based FY2026–27 budget request, emphasizing public safety goals, community engagement and operational realignment.
Chief Hunter opened by listing three priorities for his tenure: making Delray Beach the safest city in America, improving community relations, and increasing operational efficiency. He described the department as a full‑service agency with 245 employees (174 sworn and 71 professional staff), specialized units including SWAT, K9, drones and marine operations, and an evidence unit that manages more than 35,000 items.
The chief highlighted volume and liability within evidence management and said additional staffing is needed. He told the commission the communication center handled more than 151,000 calls last year, including 47,599 911 calls, and that technology and public‑records workload strain existing staff. "This young lady has done a phenomenal job ... but this is a department that definitely needs to be three men," Hunter said of an evidence‑unit supervisor performing work with insufficient staffing support.
To control costs while preserving operational capacity, Hunter described a reclassification strategy that shifts certain administrative functions from sworn personnel to professional staff, allowing sworn officers to focus on patrol and critical response. He also outlined needs for dispatch technology upgrades (a $50,000 request toward a larger replacement), equipment replacement cycles such as body armor and rifles, and continued rollout of Axon and other infrastructure investments.
Hunter credited the department's community outreach and training programs, noting partnerships with local schools and a larger pipeline of participants in criminal justice academies. Accreditation manager Jennifer Rivera and community outreach lead Ariana were cited for program success.
No formal actions or votes occurred during this informational presentation. Commissioners indicated they would digest the material and follow up with detailed questions prior to formal budget meetings.
