With the Scottsdale City Council’s recent approval of the city’s fiscal year 2025/26 budget, the Scottsdale Police Department is set to benefit from a wide range of strategic investments that enhance officer compensation, staffing levels and public safety capabilities.

At the heart of these budget priorities is a focus on recruiting and retaining top-tier law enforcement professionals in an increasingly competitive regional market.

Pay increases propel Scottsdale PD into Valley’s top tier

A significant adjustment to the department’s overall pay structure moves Scottsdale Police from the sixth-highest paid agency in the Valley to among the top three. Prior to the budget update, officer base pay peaked at $98,696 annually. As of July 1, that figure increased to $106,100.80.

“These changes were essential to ensure that we remain competitive — not only to attract new candidates but to retain the talented professionals who serve our community every day,” said Police Chief Joe LeDuc.

Retention pay recognizes long-term commitment

For the first time, the city has introduced “retention pay,” also known as longevity pay — a one-time annual bonus awarded to officers based on their years of service. This benefit, already standard at many Valley agencies, rewards experienced officers for staying with the department, helping Scottsdale avoid becoming a training ground for other jurisdictions.

“With agencies across the region offering signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and other incentives, this addition helps us recognize and retain officers who choose to build their careers here,” said City Manager Greg Caton.

Step plan refined to support officer growth

In tandem with the pay scale adjustments, the department updated its step pay plan — originally introduced in 2022 to address pay compression and support career development. Under the revised plan, officers can progress from a starting salary of $79,185.60 to top-out pay of $106,100.80 over seven years of service.

The structured raises ensure that mid-career officers are rewarded consistently and transparently, eliminating pay stagnation and making Scottsdale a more attractive destination for lateral and out-of-state officers.

Investments in staffing, equipment and innovation

The FY 2025/26 budget doesn’t stop at compensation. It includes targeted investments to strengthen the department’s operational readiness and community responsiveness:

• 22 new sworn and professional staff positions to meet growing service demands
• Advanced technology packages to improve efficiency and effectiveness, including a new inventory management system, 24/7 scheduling software, eCitation and eCollision tools to streamline field reporting, an enhanced report writing program to reduce time spent on documentation, and integration software to centralize and analyze data across multiple systems
• Expansion of the Drones as First Responders program with an additional drone based at the Real Time Crime Center
• Increased patrol fleet capacity to meet ongoing vehicle needs

The Scottsdale Police Department acknowledged the vital roles played by City Manager Greg Caton, Assistant City Manager Jeff Walther, employee groups and the city’s budget team in making these outcomes possible.

For residents, these changes promise improved officer retention and expanded community protection.

“We are deeply grateful to our city leadership and staff for their collaboration, advocacy, and dedication to ensuring Scottsdale remains one of the safest and most well-respected communities in the nation,” said Chief LeDuc.