CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: Council Approves Retention & Recognition Bonuses for Police Officers (Resolution 11-2026)

During this evenings City Council meeting, Bedford Police Chief Terry Moore presented a formal request to address severe staffing shortages and department burnout. Following his presentation, the Council officially voted to pass Resolution 11-2026 – Authorizing A Retention And Recognition Bonus For Sworn Officers.

The approved bonus funds will be drawn directly from the city's General Fund to support active officers stepping up during a critical staffing gap.

Here is the official breakdown of the department's staffing strain and the details behind the council's vote:

Department Staffing Crisis

• Hiring & Board Approval Delay: Chief Moore noted that it takes 3 to 4 months just to complete the hiring process and receive official approval from the board for a candidate.
• Academy Wait Time: Once hired, it takes an additional 8 to 12 months just to get an officer sent to the law enforcement academy, creating a massive time lag before new personnel can patrol independently.

Impact on Active Officers

• Extended Shifts: Remaining sworn officers are working mandatory 10- to 12-hour shifts to maintain 24/7 patrol coverage across the city.
• Surrendering Personal Time: Officers have been voluntarily giving up scheduled vacation days and family time off to cover vacant shifts.
• Combatting Burnout: Chief Moore emphasized that continuous overwork and fatigue are leading to severe burnout, making retention incentives essential to keep trained personnel from leaving.

Council Action & Resolution Details

• Official Agenda Action: Resolution 11-2026 – Authorizing A Retention And Recognition Bonus For Sworn Officers (Presented by Chief Terry Moore).
• Purpose: To recognize current sworn officers for taking on extreme extra workloads and to incentivize retention amid a regional law enforcement staffing shortage.
• Funding Source: Allocated out of the city's General Fund.