Fort Myers police chief says recruitment improving, previews new headquarters bond

Police Chief Jason Fields told the City of Fort Myers Economic Development Advisory Board the police department is recruiting to fill vacancies, has renewed advanced accreditation and is taking steps to maintain equipment and staffing amid rapid population growth. "We are hiring, recruiting," Fields said, adding the department runs staffing studies as part of the accreditation cycle.

Fields described accreditation as a comprehensive, four‑year process that examines policy, practice and equipment. He said ballistic vests are replaced on a five‑year manufacturer schedule and that replacement is funded through a mix of grant funds and the department budget. On retention, Fields credited recent contract negotiations for helping the department be "more competitive with our local agencies," which he said improved retention.

Board members asked about a planned move of the department’s headquarters. Finance director Chris Tenny, introduced by staff, said a general obligation bond is expected to finance the project and discussed preliminary estimates only: "I think the bond for that was gonna be ... 107,000,000, possibly," and an early debt service estimate mentioned during the meeting was roughly $6,000,000 a year. Tenny emphasized those were early numbers and that final costs will depend on completed plans and finance office review.

Why it matters: Staffing, equipment and facility plans shape public safety capacity and budget priorities across the city. The board’s discussion tied recruitment and retention measures—such as a city housing stipend for officers who live within city limits—to longer‑term capital planning for facilities and staffing.

What’s next: Fields and staff said the headquarters financing is in early contract and planning phases and the board can expect further public updates as figures and financing are finalized.