Police Chief Davis outlines staffing needs to meet community safety goals

The City Council of Rowlett, Texas, convened on July 12, 2025, for a Strategy and Planning Session focused on police staffing and operational needs. The meeting began with a review of the current police department structure, which includes 108 full-time officers, 44 non-sworn personnel, and 3 part-time officers. The Chief of Police provided an overview of staffing challenges, noting that there are currently four vacancies, with two additional officers expected to leave soon.

A significant topic of discussion was the request for two additional police officers and their associated costs, including salaries, benefits, and equipment. The Chief emphasized the importance of increasing staffing levels to improve response times and enhance community safety. Currently, Rowlett operates with 1.59 officers per 1,000 residents, which is below the Department of Justice's recommended average of 2.4 officers per 1,000. However, the Chief clarified that the department is not pursuing this higher number aggressively, given the city's low crime rates.

The Council discussed the need for a strategic approach to staffing, aiming for a gradual increase to 1.8 officers per 1,000 residents over the next 20 years. This would require adding approximately 14 officers today, with a plan to add about two officers annually to accommodate population growth. The Chief reassured the Council that the request for only two officers this year reflects a careful consideration of the city's overall needs and budget constraints.

Council members expressed concerns about response times, which have increased by an average of 1 minute and 35 seconds. The Chief explained that various factors contribute to this, including traffic conditions and the volume of calls for service. He noted that priority calls are being addressed more efficiently, with improvements in response times for urgent situations.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of investing in police staffing to ensure proactive community policing. The Chief highlighted the importance of having officers available for patrol rather than being tied up with calls, which can lead to a reactive policing model. The Council acknowledged the need for further discussions on budget impacts and the overall strategy for enhancing public safety in Rowlett.