PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs’ budget proposal calls for additional funding for the Arizona Department of Public Safety that includes pay increases and support for crime victims.

The proposed 5% salary increase for state troopers, totaling $5.9 million, is aimed at improving recruitment and retention, according to a DPS release.

The budget also proposes a “significant increase” in uniform allowances for public safety personnel and money to provide two more full-time employees to the department’s employee assistance program.

The spending plan allocates $10 million to support drug interdiction efforts in border communities, including $5 million in ongoing funding and a one-time $5 million to AZDPS local border support.

The money will provide grants to law enforcement agencies for drug interdiction initiatives in border communities, bringing the total FY 2026 investment to $23.2 million.

In addition, $1 million in one-time American Rescue Plan Act funds is proposed for a statewide fentanyl awareness and education campaign.

Crime victims would be helped with $9.3 million in federal money, which would provide grants to local organizations that offer services “to help individuals and families recover and heal,” the release stated.

Other items include:

• Strengthening 911 Call Operations: $788,000 is proposed to add nine new call-taker positions at Phoenix and Tucson dispatch centers.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Proposed investments include $11.2 million to upgrade aging electrical systems at the AZDPS Phoenix headquarters compound. The plan also allocates $8.7 million to replace outdated patrol and non-patrol vehicles, $1.3 million for upgrades to the state’s public safety “communications backbone,” $2 million to replace offices in Payson and Sanders and $693,000 for essential maintenance on AZDPS aircraft.

“These initiatives, if approved, will ensure our department has the resources needed to address critical challenges and improve service to the community,” Col. Jeffrey Glover, AZDPS director, said.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.