It has not taken long for Gov. Bob Ferguson to differentiate himself from his predecessor. After 12 years with Jay Inslee at the helm of Washington’s state government, Ferguson has identified his own priorities.
With the state facing an expected revenue decline and budget shortfall, Ferguson — like Inslee, a Democrat — has recommended $4 billion in cuts over the next two years to help close the gap. And now, the Legislature is debating a Ferguson proposal for $100 million in grants to add police officers throughout the state.
Serious budget negotiations have remained under wraps in Olympia, with lawmakers awaiting the latest budget forecast. But the question about police funding represents a change from discussions focusing on climate initiatives and transportation spending and new taxes that marked the Inslee years.
Most notably, as media outlet Washington State Standard reports: “A new bill moving through the Legislature that would rework the proposed grant plan has driven a 180-degree shift among lawmakers. Democrats have warmed to this one. Republicans have chilled.”
While the details are worked out, it is clear that there is a need to recruit, retain and support law enforcement officers throughout the state. As the Washington Association of Police Chiefs & Sheriffs reported earlier this year, using numbers that include Washington, D.C.: “Washington has ranked 51st in the nation for officers per capita for 14 consecutive years, and we’re only falling further behind … Five years ago, Washington was a mere 562 officers short of tying for 50th in the nation. Today, Washington must hire 1,370 additional officers to share last place.”
A shortage of staffing not only hampers the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime, but also adds to the stress of an already demanding job and leads to turnover within the ranks.
In recent years, there has been much discussion in Olympia regarding police policies, training and actions, but far too little about the number of officers throughout the state. Inslee and lawmakers took some action to improve that shortfall by adding new training centers — including one in Vancouver. But more is needed.
Senate Bill 5060 would send $100 million to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission for a grant program to help local police departments hire more officers. That would be particularly helpful in Vancouver and Clark County, where the per capita rate of law enforcement is smaller than in similar-sized communities.
Senate Bill 5060 is sponsored by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, who said: “One of Governor-elect Ferguson’s campaign pledges this year was to increase the number of law-enforcement officers in our state … I strongly agree with him on this issue, which is why I’m again sponsoring a bill that would add more officers throughout Washington.”
Meanwhile, House Bill 2015 also provides funding for more officers while adding a focus on other issues that are supported by Democrats. Rep. Debra Entenman, D-Kent and sponsor of the bill, told a House panel: “With this bill, I’m hoping to fund not only more police on the streets, but more services for those who might need assistance.”
At the same time, critics are focusing on the need for police accountability. That, indeed, is an essential part of effective policing. But accountability for criminals also is necessary for well-managed communities that allow residents to thrive. Ferguson, thus far, has demonstrated leadership that understands that need.
