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Police ask for new captain, taser and patrol rifle replacements amid growth
Summary
Sunnyvale Police Department requested adding a captain to strengthen administrative capacity and succession planning, and asked to replace aging tasers and patrol rifles to restore supported, serviceable equipment and officer safety.
The police chief told council the department has grown to 28 sworn officers and lacks a mid‑level command layer between field operations and executive administration. The chief said a dedicated captain would provide impartial oversight of sensitive personnel matters, support succession planning and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
The chief also requested replacement of outdated tasers (many devices 6–8 years old and no longer manufacturer‑supported) and patrol rifle upgrades (modern optics, magnifiers, lighting and suppressors) to improve reliability, reduce downtime and align tools with current policing standards. "Less lethal devices give officers safe, effective alternatives to lethal force," the chief said, arguing the modernized equipment supports de‑escalation and public safety outcomes.
