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Police and fire flag staffing, technology and operational demands; ARU and RTCC seen as key tools
Summary
Police and fire leaders told council they are bolstering recruitment, expanding civilian support (victim advocates, CSOs, park rangers) and investing in technology (RTCC cameras and analytics) but continue to face staffing, fleet and training pressure; the ARU has transported thousands since 2019 and staff seek resources to extend hours and capacity.
Police and fire leaders used the budget workshop to press for ongoing investments to meet rising call volumes and operational needs.
Police Chief said recruiting has improved — 12 cadets are due to graduate in June and another pre‑academy class is underway — but the force remains young and requires additional supervision and training. The department reported success with civilian positions and programs that reduce sworn workload, including victim advocates and community service officer (CSO) feeder positions.
“Real‑time analytics are working,” the chief said of the Real‑Time Crime Center (RTCC), noting the tool has helped the department solve violent crimes, including homicides. He asked council to sustain investments in camera infrastructure, license‑plate readers and analytics software while warning that maintenance and software subscriptions are recurring costs.
The chief also described a partnership with Red Apple transit and the park ranger program in which uniformed rangers ride buses to deter problematic behavior. Initial feedback from drivers and riders was positive, he said.
Fire leadership described sustained increases in EMS and all‑other calls year‑over‑year and a series of upcoming capital improvements: a new command vehicle, a new rescue apparatus and an Engine 5 expected later this fiscal year. They highlighted community risk reduction work, including a smoke‑detector door‑knock program (more than 70 detectors installed after canvassing) and mitigation efforts in high‑risk open spaces. Fire officials warned that retirements are producing overtime pressures and that station improvements (Station 5 remodel and gear extractor) are on the capital list.
The city’s outreach unit (ARU), which partners across agencies, transported nearly 3,900 people last year to the sobering center or campus services and has performed roughly 22,000 transports since 2019; staff said expanding ARU hours would require additional EMT staffing.
Councilors expressed support for both departments and asked staff to return with cost and phasing plans for staffing, fleet replacement, RTCC maintenance and expanded ARU operations.
