The Washington State Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports ESHB 2015, a bill to enhance public safety funding through local governments and state and local criminal justice agencies. This legislation is essential to sustain and improve community policing across our state.
Peace officers work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities, yet many departments face significant challenges in hiring, retaining and adequately training personnel. By creating a supplemental criminal justice account that implements a local law enforcement grant program, this legislation provides vital new resources that can help fulfill the critical needs of our local and tribal law enforcement agencies.
The funding model outlined in this act ensures that resources will be allocated fairly and effectively. Furthermore, the requirements placed on grant recipients, such as compliance with established training and policies, will promote accountability and enhance the quality of law enforcement services provided by peace officers to our communities.
Additionally, the authorization of a local option tax gives local jurisdictions another valuable tool to generate revenue specifically for criminal justice purposes and to continue funding if the grant program comes to a close. This option will empower communities to develop their own public safety strategies while ensuring that the resulting funds are utilized to directly enhance their local criminal justice systems.
By investing in broader public safety services, ESHB 2015 fosters an environment where peace officers are well-trained and equipped to effectively respond to the evolving public safety needs for Washingtonians and reinforces the foundation of trust and confidence between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
We commend the Legislature for addressing the critical funding needs of law enforcement agencies and enhancing public safety for all residents of Washington. The Fraternal Order of Police stands ready to support the successful and as streamlined as possible implementation of this important legislation. We urge the Legislature to move forward with ESHB 2105 as adopted by the Senate to ensure that these new resources are available to our cities, counties and tribal entities.
Together, we can work towards a safer, more equitable future for all Washingtonians.
Washington State Fraternal Order of Police
Olympia
