EUSTIS, Fla. – The Eustis Police Department intends to apply for federal funding to increase its number of officers as the city witnesses notable population growth.

Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri said he is trying to plan for the future by adding three officers to bring the department up to 50 sworn officers.

Capri said he’s hoping to use a Community Oriented Policing Services grant through the U.S. Department of Justice to help pay for those positions.

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Census data shows Eustis’ population estimate reached 25,067 as of July 1, 2024, marking an 8.1% increase from 23,189 in the 2020 census.

“Everyone’s relocating to Central Florida, with many opting for Eustis,” Capri stated. “To accommodate the surge in new residents, we must ensure top-notch police services.”

The COPS grant would initially cover three new officer positions at no cost to local taxpayers. After a period of three years, the city would integrate these roles into its normal budget.

Capri said the grant funding would also expedite the process by adding the three new officers within the next year.

“We’re going to need to get to that 50 number within the next three to five years,” Capri said. “I predict this grant would help us reach that goal sooner.”

Despite current federal budget discussions, Capri remains confident about the grant prospects should the department get the approval to apply.

“I think public safety has got to be paramount,” Capri said. “You make cuts in other areas, in the fluff. There’s a lot of fluff out there I’m sure, but law enforcement, fire, public safety, you don’t cut that.”

If the federal funding doesn’t materialize, Capri said they have back up plans in place.

“We might just delay our plans for a couple of years,” Capri said. “We’re still going to accomplish the mission. One thing about law enforcement, you know, we never quit.”

Capri plans on asking the city commission for approval to apply for the grant during Thursday’s commission meeting.