State ranks last in police per capita
Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, recently speaks on the state Senate floor to introduce a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing public safety across Washington.
OLYMPIA – A new bill introduced by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, seeks to boost public safety by increasing the number of police officers across Washington.
Holy's proposal, Senate Bill 5060, asks for $100 million to create a grant program, to help local and tribal governments hire police officers. The funding would come from the state general fund.
"Crime is a growing problem in our state," said Holy. "Washington ranks among the worst states in several categories, including murders, auto theft and retail theft. A key reason is that we also rank 51st nationally for the number of law-enforcement officers per capita."
"As a former police officer, I know we need more officers in our community and on our roads," he said.
The Criminal Justice Training Commission would manage the program. Agencies would apply for grants, follow reporting requirements, and submit data annually.
Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, chair of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, is co-sponsoring the bill.
The bill aligns with a campaign pledge by Governor-elect Bob Ferguson to increase law-enforcement hiring through a statewide grant program.
"I strongly agree with him on this issue, which is why I am again sponsoring a bill that would add more officers throughout Washington," said Holy, referring to Ferguson's campaign promise.
The legislative session starts Jan. 13.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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