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Police present cuts, red‑light camera rules and proposed off‑duty fee increase
Summary
Police Chief Okelson described performance metrics, a 2025 crime decline (about 20% down from 2024) and a 10% reduction model that cuts detective staffing; he also said adding new red‑light cameras would require a city ordinance and FDOT justification and that the city will propose raising the off‑duty detail fee.
Chief Okelson presented the Police Department's organizational chart, performance measures and a 10% reduction model the department compiled as part of a citywide exercise.
"These are calendar year 2025, we saw about a 20% reduction in crime from 2024," Okelson said, noting that year‑to‑date figures could rise. He explained the department's 10% model includes personnel reductions — for example, reducing detectives from 10 to 6 in the exercise — and cautioned such cuts would lengthen investigation timelines and force case‑priority choices.
On traffic safety, Okelson told commissioners that any addition or relocation of red‑light cameras now requires a city ordinance and FDOT crash/violation justification; he also said staff would bring a draft ordinance for review. The department plans to propose a moderate increase in the city's off‑duty detail fee (the city's portion was described as currently minimal) to better reflect actual costs while being mindful of impacts on schools and small organizations.
