Police chief reports rise in burglaries; department cites staffing and budget status

The Town of Buchanan Police Commission heard a monthly report Dec. 17 in which the police chief told commissioners that residential burglaries are increasing compared with last year.

"We are trending higher than last year for burglaries," the chief said, noting investigators are working daily and coordinating with regional agencies to develop suspects.

The chief summarized operational pressures behind the trend, including staffing and training. "We are hovering right around 70%, you know, operating that minimum shift," the chief said, adding that one officer is expected to start the academy in April and others are returning from military leave or completing training.

On finances, the chief said the department was about 40% through its operating budget after five months. "We are right around 40% operating budget," the chief said, and told commissioners he will present a formal budget request in January before the next meeting.

The report also noted recent community outreach and recognition: two officers were cited in connection with a Toys for Tots campaign and the department posted the recognition on social media.

Why it matters: rising burglary rates affect neighborhood safety and resource planning; staffing and budget constraints limit patrol capacity and influence scheduling and overtime decisions. The commission asked staff to confirm details and said the chief will provide the formal budget request in January.

The commission did not take additional formal action on the crime trends at the Dec. 17 meeting; routine administrative approvals followed and the commission adjourned.