Police and Fire Staffing and Retention
Summary
Two speakers described serious injuries and unsolved cases they say fell through the cracks because there are too many crimes and not enough investigators, asking the council to order SPD staffing audits and better victim support.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 29, 2026.
Impact analysis
Expanded investigative units and victim services would require additional funding, amount not stated.
Crime victims and their families.
Survivors whose cases go uninvestigated, as described in testimony.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Regular Meeting - Sep 29, 2026
The Measure A committee noted the city collected $470 million but added zero net officers; council and staff countered that recruitment is active, with 200-plus applicants for new police aide positions and the department still roughly 60 officers under its 425 budgeted strength.
Special Meeting - Budget Study Session - Jun 2, 2026
Fire is short 21 sworn positions and losing officers in the three-to-seven-year window; police have 301 unfilled positions out of 662 authorized. Both chiefs highlighted recruitment pushes and the pending labor contracts.
Regular Meeting - May 12, 2026
Multiple speakers urged the council to get the police union a contract, noting the department is down officers. Councilmembers explained negotiations are in the bargaining process and will come to council when resolved.
Regular Meeting - Jan 13, 2026
Two speakers described serious injuries and unsolved cases they say fell through the cracks because there are too many crimes and not enough investigators, asking the council to order SPD staffing audits and better victim support.
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