Spokane launching pilot program to address downtown challenges | News [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane is looking to tackle the issues facing the downtown core and plans to implement a pilot program.

On Thursday, Mayor Lisa Brown announced the city’s new plan: The Crisis Outreach, Response and Engagement (CORE) plan. 

“It’s been clear since I took office that there’s frustration out there about the level of perceived or real level of criminal activity, and in particular, downtown,” said Mayor Brown.

CORE will be a collaboration among Spokane Police, the city, Spokane Fire and behavioral health partners. 

“It’s a place-based strategy. And when I say ‘place-based’, I mean, we look at the data to determine where are the micro-locations that are causing the biggest issues downtown,” said SPD Chief Kevin Hall. 

According to the city, the plan will have SPD deploy additional officers to the downtown precinct increasing foot and bike patrols. 

SPD said the adding additional officers will …