Fort Pierce residents are raising urgent concerns about the city's police department staffing and budget during a special city commission meeting held on May 19, 2025. Community members voiced their frustrations over the challenges faced by the police chief and the department, highlighting the need for increased funding and support.

One resident emphasized that the police chief has been operating with insufficient resources, stating, "You don't have enough money to hire all the help that you need." This sentiment was echoed by Pastor Pinky Henley, who pointed out that despite efforts to engage the community through the police advisory committee, participation has been minimal. Henley noted that only one resident attended the committee meetings, which were intended to foster dialogue and support for the police department.

Concerns about officer salaries were also a focal point of the discussion. Luke Lewis, a local business owner, compared the salaries of Fort Pierce police officers to those in neighboring Port St. Lucie, revealing significant disparities. He stated that the average salary for a Fort Pierce officer is $55,000, while Port St. Lucie officers earn an average of $69,000. This wage gap raises questions about the city's ability to retain qualified personnel and maintain effective law enforcement.

The meeting underscored a broader issue of budgetary constraints impacting the police department's operations. Residents are calling for a reevaluation of funding priorities to ensure that the police force is adequately staffed and compensated. As the city grapples with these challenges, community members are urging local leaders to take decisive action to improve public safety and support the police department's efforts in serving Fort Pierce.