Houston's public safety officials are sounding the alarm over a significant decline in police staffing, revealing a concerning trend that could impact the city's safety. During a recent meeting of the Joint Public Safety, Budget & Fiscal Affairs, and Labor Committee, it was reported that Houston has 206 fewer officers than it did 27 years ago, despite a population increase of over 10% since 2010. This staffing shortage is compounded by a dramatic drop in civilian support staff, which has decreased from 1,275 in 2014 to just 770 today.

The meeting highlighted alarming attrition rates among newer officers, with 30% of resignations in fiscal year 2025 coming from those with five years or less on the force. This trend raises concerns about the department's ability to maintain adequate public safety levels. Officers are reportedly leaving for better pay at other agencies, prompting calls for a new contract aimed at improving compensation.

The proposed contract includes a substantial pay increase, with starting salaries for new officers set to rise to $75,000, making Houston competitive with other major Texas cities. The contract outlines annual raises of 10% in the first year, followed by 8%, 6%, 6%, and 6.5% in subsequent years, totaling an estimated financial impact of $832 million over five years.

In addition to salary increases, the contract aims to enhance the quality of life for officers, allowing them to reduce the need for second jobs. Officials emphasized that the proposed changes are crucial for retaining talent and ensuring the department can effectively serve the growing population of Houston, which also sees an influx of 700,000 daily visitors.

As the city grapples with these staffing challenges, the proposed contract represents a critical step toward stabilizing the police force and addressing the pressing need for adequate public safety resources. The committee's discussions underscore the urgency of these issues as Houston continues to evolve and expand.