SPOKANE VALLEY – In a recent city council session, the spotlight was on a potential initiative to beef up the police force by as many as 31 officers over the next four years. Erik Lamb, deputy city manager, Chief Dave Ellis, and Morgan Koudelka, the administrative analyst, led the discussion, revisiting the proposals laid out by the Matrix consulting group back in November.
Lamb emphasized the gravity of the decision, asserting, “This is one of the most crucial matters regarding the city’s budget that you’ll vote on.”
He reminded the council that the dialogue on augmenting police personnel had commenced on November 6, 2023, stressing that the ultimate authority and responsibility lie with the council to greenlight staffing and funding decisions.
Currently, Spokane Valley boasts 91 dedicated officers, with an additional 37 officers shared with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Lamb underscored the importance of aligning services with community needs, citing increases in both population and calls for service over the years.
Acknowledging the evolving demands, Lamb pointed out that the current staffing levels are struggling to keep pace with the community’s changing landscape. Matrix Consulting Group’s report, which evaluated call volumes and staffing, recommended adding 25 dedicated officers, along with adjustments to deployment strategies to enhance coverage and response times.
Chief Ellis elaborated on proposed changes, including advancing Powershift schedules and augmenting patrol presence. He outlined plans for a proactive team to tackle long-term issues and collaborate with high-crime areas like apartment complexes and hotels.
However, challenges loom, particularly in recruitment and training. Ellis highlighted the lengthy process of onboarding new officers, exacerbated by retirements and limited academy capacity. He also emphasized the significance of lateral hires to expedite the staffing process.
With cost estimates totaling $6.3 million, discussions veered toward revenue streams and budget allocations. Council members raised questions about sign-on bonuses, resource allocation, and the impact on existing programs.
As deliberations continued, Mayor Pam Haley emphasized the need for sustained funding beyond the initial phase of recruitment. The dialogue underscored the intricate balance between meeting community needs, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring effective law enforcement.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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