Public safety is one of my highest priorities, and supporting the Rockville City Police Department requires more than words of appreciation. It requires ensuring that our officers receive compensation that reflects their professionalism, training, responsibilities and service to our community.

In 2024, I proposed that the City conduct a Regional Police Compensation Review after July 1, once neighboring jurisdictions had completed their annual budget processes and updated salary information was available. The Mayor and Council supported that proposal, allowing Rockville to compare current compensation levels using timely information rather than outdated figures.

Since then, I have continued proposing that this review occur annually. I am pleased that the post-July 1  Regional Police Compensation Review will be completed again in 2026. This process gives the Mayor and Council a current picture of police salaries and benefits throughout the region. Rockville competes with many surrounding law enforcement agencies to recruit and retain highly qualified officers. When other jurisdictions increase salaries or improve compensation packages, we need to understand those changes promptly and determine whether Rockville should respond.

My goal is for this review to become a regular annual practice. Rockville should not wait until recruitment or retention challenges develop before evaluating whether our officers remain competitively compensated.

I believe the Rockville City Police Department should remain at or near the top of regional compensation. Our officers respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, promote traffic and pedestrian safety, engage with neighborhoods and build the relationships that strengthen trust throughout our city. Their work is essential to the safety and quality of life of every Rockville resident.

Once the 2026 report is completed, I will carefully review its findings and support appropriate salary adjustments if necessary to keep Rockville competitive.

Maintaining an exceptional police department requires continued investment in staffing, equipment, training and compensation. I will continue working to ensure that Rockville recruits, retains and properly compensates the outstanding officers who serve and protect our community every day.