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Palatka police chief outlines 2025–26 budget, cites COPS officers and new crime analyst
Summary
Chief Schroy told the commission the police department will rely on COPS grant officers, a crime analyst credited with aiding three major investigations, and new redaction software while trimming operating costs by about 11–11.5% compared with the prior year.
Palatka Police Chief Schroy presented the department's 2025–26 budget at a city commission workshop, highlighting COPS grant–funded officers, a recently added crime analyst and investments in redaction software intended to speed public‑records work.
Why it matters: The police budget affects patrol staffing, contract costs for body cameras and Tasers, and how the city allocates general‑fund dollars. Schroy framed the proposal as balancing operational needs against citywide budget constraints.
Schroy said the department's COPS officers “have continued to perform at an exceptional level, demonstrating strong dedication to the community,” and credited expanded community engagement and outreach with reductions in crime and fear of crime. He said the department's social‑media efforts produced “more than 3,000,000 views representing more than 900% increase in content visibility,” a number he presented as evidence of improved public outreach.
The chief described the crime analyst position, funded in last year's budget, as a proven asset: “This year alone, it has assisted in solving 3 major investigations,” he said, adding that the analyst provides statistical crime data to patrol and investigative units.
To reduce staff time spent on public‑records requests, Schroy said the department purchased CaseGuard redaction software. “CaseGuard reduces the time staff spends in redacting… videos from our body cameras,” he said, and he framed the purchase as a cost‑saving measure given the growing volume of video records.
On line items, Schroy reported several increases and decreases across the operating budget. He cited a roughly $21,779 increase in professional services tied to investigative software and subscriptions (including Flock Investigative Services and PowerDMS) and described net decreases across posters, building maintenance and training that together reduced operating costs. He told commissioners the department achieved what he described as an overall decrease of about 11–11.5% from the prior year.
Schroy also reviewed capital needs: he said capital outlay declined by about $167,352 from the prior year but warned that new multi‑year contracts for Tasers and body cameras will raise costs. “The new Taser is coming out, and that comes with a contract,” he said, noting the department sought five‑year terms to avoid longer lock‑ins.
Commissioners asked questions about uniforms and recent street‑lighting projects. Commissioner Kaylee praised the presentation — “Great job, chief” — and asked whether uniforms could be adjusted for hot weather at public events; Schroy said the department has considered different uniform options (mesh shirts and vests) and will continue to evaluate them. Commissioners also pressed the chief on recruitment; Schroy said staff will pursue partnerships with the school board and return with a proposal for recruiting local students into law‑enforcement careers.
The chief said the department is not requesting new personnel at this time and that any future positions would be supported by the city's staff‑study follow‑up and presented to the commission for approval.
What happens next: The budget materials presented at the workshop will be considered as the city finalizes the fiscal plan; Schroy said staff will return with follow‑up analyses and proposals for specific programs such as school partnerships.
