MAPS Responds to Mayor’s FY2026 Budget Address, Highlights Ongoing Public Safety Staffing Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2026

Manchester, NH – The Manchester Association of Police Supervisors (MAPS) today issued the following statement in response to Mayor Jay Ruais’ FY2026 budget address.

MAPS recognizes the complexity of developing a responsible municipal budget that balances the needs of taxpayers, city services, and the school system. The Mayor’s proposal reflects the real financial pressures facing the city, including rising personnel costs, contractual obligations, and limited revenue growth.

We appreciate the administration’s continued commitment to protecting core public safety services and the decision not to reduce funding to the Manchester Police Department. Maintaining stability in public safety funding is an important step in supporting the level of service Manchester residents expect.

At the same time, the operational realities facing the Manchester Police Department remain significant. Officers in Manchester respond to nearly 100,000 calls for service annually , the highest workload in the state. This level of demand requires a fully staffed and sustainable department.

Currently, the department is operating with approximately 24 officer vacancies, with additional retirements and departures expected in the coming months. These staffing shortages place additional strain on existing personnel, increase workload, and can impact response times and proactive policing efforts over time.

While the proposed budget acknowledges staffing vacancies and includes targeted investments, recruitment and retention continue to be among the most pressing challenges facing the department. Like many agencies nationwide, Manchester is operating in a competitive hiring environment, and maintaining competitive compensation is essential to attracting and retaining qualified officers.

“Manchester officers are working in one of the busiest policing environments in New Hampshire, and staffing shortages continue to place a significant burden on the department,” said Robert Megowen, President of MAPS. “As our current contract approaches expiration, it has become clear that Manchester must remain competitive with surrounding agencies to recruit and retain the officers our community relies on. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen to reach a fair agreement, competitive with local communities, that supports both our officers and the long-term public safety needs of the city.”

Despite these challenges, the Manchester Police Department continues to deliver strong results. Crime in Manchester has declined in recent years, including a 15% reduction year-over-year and a 31% decrease compared to the ten-year average . These outcomes reflect the professionalism and dedication of Manchester’s officers, as well as strong community partnerships.

Sustaining this progress requires continued focus on staffing, recruitment, and retention. A fully staffed police department is essential not only for maintaining current service levels, but also for ensuring long-term public safety as Manchester continues to grow.

MAPS looks forward to continuing its work with city leadership to support a strong, stable, and well-resourced police department that meets the needs of Manchester residents today and into the future.

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Media Contact:

Matthew Barter

Spokesperson

Manchester Association of Police Supervisors (MAPS)

media@mapsnh.com