The Santa Fe Police Department has put forward a budget proposal of over $40 million for the next financial year. The plan mainly focuses on staff salaries, hiring, and public safety improvements. Officials are calling it a “maintenance budget” with a big push on improving staff numbers and keeping services running smoothly.
Salary Raises for All Department Staff
A large part of the proposed budget will be used to give 3% salary raises to every staff member in the department. These raises follow the city’s recent approval and aim to help retain current employees and support department morale.
Staffing Challenges Continue
Even with the raise, the department is still facing staff shortages. They are currently short by 14 officers compared to last year, out of a total of 169 positions. To manage the workload, some of the budget will also go toward paying for overtime.
Additionally, the department plans to hire five new employees for the records section. This move is in preparation for a new case management order that may soon take effect in the 1st Judicial District. Deputy Chief of Police Ben Valdez explained that the order will introduce strict timelines, and the department wants to be ready to meet those deadlines without slowing down the process of filing charges or holding criminals accountable.
New Technology and Public Safety Projects
The proposed budget also sets aside money for technology programs to improve public safety. These include:
Speed and noise cameras – to help deal with complaints about reckless driving and street racing, which have become common in Santa Fe.
ShotSpotter system – a gunshot detection system that will help police respond quickly to gunfire incidents.
Drones for emergency response – similar to what the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office already uses, drones could assist officers in real-time situations.
Final Approval Pending
The proposed budget will be reviewed by the Santa Fe City Council later this month. If it is approved, the budget will be sent to the state of New Mexico before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
The Santa Fe Police Department’s $40 million budget proposal shows a strong focus on supporting current staff, hiring new employees, and using technology to improve safety in the city. While challenges like staff shortages remain, the department is taking steps to prepare for upcoming legal changes and community needs. If the plan is approved, it could lead to faster responses to crime, better traffic control, and a stronger police presence in Santa Fe.
