Over the past year, the City of Spokane has reviewed all contracts as part of its budget process, including its expiring agreement with Spokane C.O.P.S. Despite repeated requests, the organization has not provided financial records and success metrics in the Brown Administration's requested format. Mayor Lisa Brown, along with Councilmembers Paul Dillon, Lili Navarrate, and Kitty Klitzke, have expressed their intent to continue funding for community policing, but through a competitive process to ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful outcomes.
“Accountability and transparency around the use of taxpayer funds have been at the forefront of my decision making throughout the past year, especially in light of the significant budget deficit I inherited. In reviewing the City’s expiring contract with Spokane C.O.P.S, it was evident that my Administration needed clarity around the organization’s use of City funds and metrics of success. Despite our requests to C.O.P.S’ executive leadership, that basic information has been challenging to obtain,” Mayor Lisa Brown said. “Our desire for community policing, as well as our profound appreciation for volunteers who assist in those efforts remains, but it must be done through responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and borne out by data. Recognizing the critical role community members play in contributing to safe neighborhoods, we are continuing to invest in community policing through a competitive award process, as we do with contracts across our organization. This process is designed to ensure meaningful outcomes, fairness, accountability, and transparency.”
“As the chair of our Public Safety and Community Health committee, I am fully in support of community policing which helps build trust through collaboration. Since day one, there has been continued funding for C.O.P.S, despite misinformation they were closing at the end of the year. It was the decision of leadership to state they were shutting doors while having existing funds to continue, which underscores the need for financial transparency,” said District 2 Councilmember Paul Dillon. “C.O.P.S is encouraged to participate in the City of Spokane’s Request for Proposal process. We must use a data driven and intentional approach to promote community safety through purposeful investments that will ensure all Spokane residents are safe. As we finalize our budget, we are committed to supporting community policing with diverse stakeholders that balances the needs of residents in every neighborhood while meeting our financial responsibilities in a budget deficit. This continued funding plan for C.O.P.S and the City of Spokane’s RFP process will ensure progress for public safety in Spokane.”
“As a representative of District 2 and after listening to constituent feedback, it’s critical we see the effectiveness of C.O.P.S citywide. Every neighborhood has unique needs and challenges with capacity as we look to support volunteers and outreach that creates safer communities for all,” said Councilmember Lili Navarrete.
