Police chief cites rising calls and asks for SROs, body‑camera and barricade purchases

Police Chief Josh Watson told the council that calls for service rose roughly 68.4% from 2021 to 2025 and that the department recorded a spike in domestic incidents and a substantial increase in fraud and vehicle crashes. He described crime‑prevention tactics the department uses, noted that Troutman's overall crime rate remains low relative to the county and requested budget authority for personnel and equipment.

Chief Watson requested two additional School Resource Officer positions to cover the new Weathers Creek High School opening in August 2027; he said the timing allows for recruitment and training and that the town would seek reimbursement from the school system. He also proposed replacing the Lens Lock body‑camera system with the Axon Evidence platform and estimated total costs at $86,640 per year spread over five years (a roughly $30,000 annual increase over current costs). Finally, he proposed purchasing a certified truck‑stop kit from Meridian Defense Group (approximate cost $100,000) to protect race and parade routes.

Why it matters: Staffing and equipment decisions affect public safety, school safety coverage and the town's budget. The chief tied increased calls and crashes to rapid development and recommended targeted resource increases to maintain response levels.

Next steps: The chief will develop budget requests for the next fiscal cycle for SRO positions, Axon transition costs and the barricade kit; council discussion and budget decisions will follow in the regular budget process.