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 …