Avondale Police to Ask for 58 More License Plate Readers Amid Recruitment Challenges

Avondale council members voice strong support for expanding technology and AI tools as the police department looks to address staffing challenges ahead of the 2026 budget.

Like many police departments across Arizona, Avondale is navigating the challenges of staffing shortages while trying to maintain service levels in a growing community.

In 2025, the department hired 21 sworn officers. During that same period, three officers retired and 11 separated from the department. According to Police Chief Memo Espinoza, a significa…