SPOKANE, Wash. – Look out for a heightened police presence in downtown Spokane over the next month. This move is part of a new pilot program announced by Mayor Lisa Brown aimed at improving safety in the city center.
Starting Monday, four to six additional officers will patrol the downtown area each day for a 30-day trial. Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall explained that these officers will be on foot, bikes, or in UTVs, emphasizing a community-integrated approach.
The “CORE” plan, which stands for Crisis Outreach, Response, and Engagement, will also see an increase in behavioral health co-responders collaborating with police and fire services. Furthermore, the city will partner with I-2 Strategies and Revive Reentry to guide the homeless toward housing and treatment services.
Mayor Brown highlighted that the pilot program, despite the city’s budget challenges, is made possible by the police department coming in under budget on their overtime allocation.
Residents of Spokane are expressing concerns about safety in downtown despite departmental statistics showing fewer reported crimes. On Tuesday, NonStop Local ran an online poll conducted asking people how their thoughts on the statement: “The perception of downtown Spokane as dangerous is…” 92% of responders voted either “Absolutely True” or “Somewhat True.”
“It only takes one incident that happens to an individual or family member or a friend,” Mayor Brown stated. The initiative aims to reassure the public by addressing these safety perceptions directly.
Chief Hall stressed the importance of using historical data to determine where more cops need to be deployed, saying, “One of the things I believe I was brought in here to do is make data-driven, science-informed decisions.”
The program will conclude around Nov. 12, which is a week after Spokane voters decide on a proposed community safety sales tax. This decision could significantly influence the program’s future viability. The program’s funding currently relies on officers working overtime, and its continuation may depend on the public’s support of the levy.
“It’s going to be difficult to figure out the sustainability without the community safety measure passing,” she said.
