In a significant move to bolster its workforce and services, the Cheyenne Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Mark Francisco, has proposed a notable increase in its budget for the fiscal year 2025. The proposed financial plan, discussed in a city budget session, includes an increase of $1.1 million dedicated to officer salaries and $393,000 allocated for administrative costs.
Prioritizing Public Safety through Enhanced Police Funding
Chief Francisco emphasized the department’s overarching goal to grow its team to over 120 officers, up from the current count of 113. This expansion is not just a numbers game but a strategic effort to enhance public safety in Cheyenne. The budget also addresses the incremental costs associated with maintaining and upgrading essential services and equipment, including patrol cars, administrative tools, and officer body cameras.
“An overall department goal is to have over 120 officers on staff,” stated Chief Francisco, highlighting the need to accommodate the city’s rising safety demands. The fiscal strategies laid out by the department also include significant raises for officers, in part to keep pace with inflation and ensure the department remains a competitive employer in the law enforcement landscape.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Community Engagement
Among the notable increases in the department’s budget are funds designated for patrol and parking divisions. The Patrol Division is set for a $1.1 million increase in officer salaries and an additional $40,000 for overtime, facilitating extended coverage at public events and special security details. This adjustment reflects the department’s response to the community’s growing needs for security and engagement in public spaces.
The Parking Division, while receiving a modest increase, is also undergoing crucial adjustments. Chief Francisco plans to convert a part-time parking officer position to full-time, enhancing the department’s capability to manage parking efficiently, which has been a heated topic in community discussions.
Administrative Adjustments to Support Enhanced Services
The administration budget itself has seen a significant lift, totaling an increase of $393,825 from last year. This adjustment accommodates various operational enhancements, including a rise in employee salaries averaging just over $2,000 per officer, increased costs for maintenance supplies due to expanded occupancy at the Cheyenne Public Safety Center, and a new contract for the Riverstone Bank parking lot which raised the rental budget by $10,074.
Today the Cheyenne Police Department joined over 1,000 officers from across the country in Sheridan, Wyoming to pay our respects in the funeral procession and memorial service of Officer Nevada Krinkee.
Together, we extend our sympathy to his family, friends, and community. pic.twitter.com/6WSl4O6Lzb
— Cheyenne Police Department (@CheyennePolice) March 1, 2024
Further investments in technology and infrastructure include a $160,160 increase in the equipment budget for officer body cameras and a $20,000 rise to support the combined communications center, ensuring that the department remains technologically adept and responsive.
Cheyenne Police Aims for Safer City with Budget Proposal
The Cheyenne Police Department is diligently working towards achieving a staffing level that mirrors or surpasses that of neighboring cities like Casper, which boasts a ratio of 1.86 officers per 1,000 residents, compared to Cheyenne’s 1.77. Each Cheyenne officer currently handles just under 700 incidents per year, a testament to their dedication and the city’s need for increased police presence and efficacy.
“We’re doing a lot better than a lot of our fellow agencies around that are … struggling to fill their open positions,” expressed Francisco. This statement reflects a sense of achievement in current recruitment and retention efforts but also underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining a robust workforce in law enforcement.
As the budget proposals move towards approval, the Cheyenne Police Department remains focused on not only meeting but exceeding community expectations for safety and effective policing. The city council will review and vote on the final budget proposal in upcoming meetings, setting the stage for a potentially transformative year in public safety for Cheyenne.
