Guest My View – August 2026

A FEW YEARS AGO, Jacksonville faced a difficult decision about the future of our local law enforcement. When faced with the possibility of replacing our police department with contracted county sheriff’s services, the community response was immediate and overwhelming. Residents and business owners affirmed they valued having a local police department. As a result of that overwhelming feedback, the City committed to rebuilding our Jacksonville Police Department (JPD). The police safety surcharge fee is increasing as a result of the City’s commitment to maintaining local law enforcement for the protection of our citizens. For the first time in years, JPD is fully staffed at six full-time officers plus a clerk. Recent labor negotiations also resulted in raising officers’ wages which had been among the lowest in the Valley—a development which will assist in employee retention and hiring.

Having a fully staffed department provides better coverage for our residents and improves officer safety by ensuring there is adequate backup and staffing flexibility. That level of service comes with additional costs. Operating costs have increased on every front, but our commitment to career-long training ensures our staff’s skills are fresh and reinvigorated continuously. This level of training is expensive but vital. There are also the rising costs of fuel, utilities, insurance etc. We have recently begun to more aggressively update our vehicles, several of which were nearing the end of their service life. Additionally, we are replacing and updating equipment as standards have changed throughout the industry. While some of these expenses are tied to modernizing our equipment internally, additional expenditures have been required as Jackson County and local agencies have adopted new communication devices, network computers and radios, etc. In law enforcement, it is crucial to have consistency throughout the area to achieve seamless inter-agency connection and support. Equipment costs are not inexpensive, yet when we send our officers out to confront whatever may await them, it is critical they be fully trained and have the best equipment available as they are putting their safety on the line each time they answer a call or stop a motorist.

Having a full staff also ensures greater flexibility and better morale. When staffing levels were low, time-off requests or shift changes were difficult to accommodate. With a full complement of officers, the department is better able to accommodate officer requests. Another advantage of a complete staff allows officers the opportunity to pursue their individual interests in broadening the scope of police work. For example, one of our officers has devoted efforts to community policing and outreach, with a focus on youth in the community. Another has focused his efforts on being highly certified in weapons facility and training. The department as a whole has incorporated these directions in community outreach, community education, and skills mastery to their palette of services which adds tremendous benefit to our residents.

While I acknowledge that the $12/month increase is significant, our studies reveal that Jacksonville residents continue to pay less than residents in neighboring communities for police coverage. It is my hope that better wages along with a fully-staffed department, modernized equipment, and opportunity to shape the direction of the department will improve retention of officers or the pool of potential hires if the need arises. Over the past year Jacksonville residents have expressed their appreciation for the direction of the department. I believe this investment in our department will ensure Jacksonville continues to have a professional, well-equipped police department that is prepared to protect and serve our community for years to come.

Andrea Thompson is a Jacksonville City Councilor and President, Jacksonville City Council.