Police staffing, overtime and a traffic unit
Summary
Police overtime ran about 177% of budget in 2025 — driven by vacancies and one-time retroactive contract pay. Staffing is around 68 below strength, though leaders say overtime falls as vacancies fill and retro pay won't repeat in 2026.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
Roughly $900,000 of the overage came from one-time retroactive pay; ongoing overtime is offset by vacancy salary savings.
Residents get filled shifts and patrol coverage despite the shortage.
Taxpayers bear inflated overtime costs until vacancies are filled.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council - Sep 21, 2026
The chief says five officer vacancies force heavy overtime (toward $1 million this year) and wants six new officers — three for a traffic unit — plus civilian FOIL and lobby clerks so sworn officers can get back on the street.
City Council - Mar 5, 2026
Police overtime ran about 177% of budget in 2025 — driven by vacancies and one-time retroactive contract pay. Staffing is around 68 below strength, though leaders say overtime falls as vacancies fill and retro pay won't repeat in 2026.
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