Spokane Police Department Seeks Expansion of Personnel

Strategic Insights -

Spokane police chief Anne Kirkpatrick has submitted a list of 13 desired positions to the City Council, including six detectives and four neighborhood resource officers, for consideration in the 2007 budget. The positions were not included in the mayor's budget proposal, but council members asked for a detailed list of the department's needs. The council has requested more information about the proposed positions, citing concerns about the cost and potential needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Spokane Police Department is seeking funding for 13 new positions, including six detectives and four neighborhood resource officers, with a total annual cost of $795,611.
  • The department has lost nearly 40 police officers since 2002 through layoffs and retirements, and is struggling to maintain its workforce.
  • Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick is proposing to shift seven officers from a weekend traffic patrol shift to a swing shift patrol, citing concerns about officer safety and the need to use resources more effectively.
  • The Police Department receives 32.5 percent of the city's discretionary fund, or approximately $43 million.
  • Councilman Bob Apple has expressed concerns about the cost of the proposed positions, saying "She has a large wish list, and I don't blame her a bit."
  • Six new detectives would be an annual cost of $484,743.
  • Four neighborhood resource officers would cost $310,868.
  • The shift of seven officers from the weekend traffic patrol to the swing shift would require no additional funding.

Statistics:

  • The Spokane Police Department has lost nearly 40 police officers since 2002 through layoffs and retirements.
  • The Police Department receives 32.5 percent, or approximately $43 million, of the city's discretionary fund.
  • The total annual cost of the proposed positions is $795,611.
  • The proposed shift of seven officers from the weekend traffic patrol to the swing shift would have no funding implications.

Sources:

  • The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.)
  • McClatchy-Tribune Business News
  • The Permissions Group Inc.