Friday, January 3, 2014 | North Kitsap Herald
NorthKitsapHerald.com
Page A9
More technology, training and regional partnerships 2 By ALAN R. TOWNSEND
013 was a year of change in the Poulsbo Police Department. 2014 appears to be another year with more change and more challenges. The most notable issue is the impact of illegal drugs, especially heroin, on communities across the country. Poulsbo is no exception. It’s expected that at least three quarters of all property crimes are related to illegal drugs. Mayor Erickson has made it a priority in this community to combat heroin and other illegal drugs. While we may not be able to stop abuse of the drugs, we will work diligently to make Poulsbo an unpleasant location to buy, sell or use them. And in turn, we will impact other crimes such as burglaries and thefts. In 2014, we will be moving toward new, more costeffective technology. This mainly impacts the comput-
Economy
Continued from page A8 Enterprises, is undertaking a major expansion of its flagship enterprise, Clearwater Resort. This growth, together with continued community collaboration on eco-tourism initiatives in North Kitsap, will help to capitalize on the 7 million ferry riders using North Kitsap portals (Kingston and Bainbridge) annually, and will help to
2014 FORECAST: POLICE
ers in our cars, but also relates to our online reporting systems and records management system. In the next couple of years, heavyduty computers that cost around $4,000 will need to be replaced with a lighter, more versatile and more cost-effective unit, similar to a tablet computer. We will also look to replace our in-car camera systems with a more cost-effective advanced body-worn camera system that we are testing now with some officers. A huge issue that we took head on in 2013 — law enforcement response to persons with mental illness — will continue to develop in 2014. We have made significant progress, but have more to do. The implementation of Crisis Intervention Officers for every agency is under way. This will provide
solidify North Kitsap as a regional player in this industry. As we look back on 2013 and forward to 2014, I see our economy in clear transition, and I believe the changes that lie ahead will be welcomed by everyone hungry to get back to basics — and back to business. On Kitsap — South, Central and North! — John Powers is executive director of the Kitsap Economic Development
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the ability to call officers with advanced training in mental illness to the scene of incidents where time is on our side. We also continue to work toward a reporting system where family members of persons with mental illness and public safety agencies can input information into a data base that can provide additional information to first responders to help provide personalized techniques to avoid conflict when dealing with persons with mental illness. Training for all law enforcement officers will also continue into 2014, with the hope that this training and the reporting system can be funded through the new mental health sales tax. An additional police officer funded by the City Council will be hired in late January. This new position will allow us to devote a police officer position to the Bremerton Police Department Special
Operations Group. This multi-detective unit works around the county to impact illegal drugs and other related crimes. Our relationship with Bremerton PD makes this partnership perfect for Poulsbo. Instead of trying to work these crimes alone, with one devoted detective, we can use the resources of a half-dozen detectives with extra resources, techniques and skills simply not available to one individual. Besides drug issues, the police department will continue to look at how we operate. I don’t think anyone will argue with the fact that we are understaffed. While the economy is continuing to improve, the tax revenue to help support additional personnel will come very slowly, especially as costs of living increase faster than tax revenues. Because of this, we must continue to look at ways we can streamline our operations without compromising service. We must find
Alliance. Contact him at powers@kitsapeda.org For a comprehensive economic forecast by economist John W. Mitchell, Ph.D., con-
sider attending the Alliance’s annual Economic Forecast on Jan. 29 (register at www. kitsapeda.org).
additional ways to partner with the other law enforcement agencies in Kitsap to reduce duplication and make all agencies more efficient and cost effective. Currently, Poulsbo PD has a court services officer that provides electronic home monitoring services to just Poulsbo. There is no logical reason we can’t share these services with other cities. In fact, we are discussing this concept now with Port Orchard: Share the costs, reduce duplication, and make all of us more efficient. We also share with all of the other municipal agencies and the state patrol an investigative response team for violent crime, officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths. Called Kitsap County Investigative Response Team, the team is made up of detectives from all agencies that can be called out immediately. They bring with them enhanced skills and experience to investigate serious
violent crimes. In the future, we must seriously consider more significant consolidations of law enforcement agencies. I’m not convinced that one agency for the entire county is smart, but I do see serious benefits to regional policing. While no one wants to lose the local control of their law enforcement agency (and there are clearly differences in policing from city to city, region to region), regional consolidation could make perfect sense. The cost savings won’t likely be in patrol officers, but it could be considerable in administration and support services costs. And as important, it could allow us to bolster our efficiencies, strengthen relationships, and reduce duplication in task forces, training, detectives and other specialized units and support services. — Alan R. Townsend is chief of the Poulsbo Police Department.
FEE TALK F O C
Velkommen to Poulsbo! CHOCMO
What’s Happening?
e vent s
Friday, January 3rd Live Music every Friday (& Saturday night) at Sheila’s Port Side Restaurant & Bar
Free Game Night at Liberty Bay Books 5:30-7pm Sunday, January 5th Trivia Time Live at Hare & Hounds Public House 7:30 pm Stop in on the first Sunday each month for a great breakfast at the Poulsbo Sons of Norway lodge, downstairs in the Viking Room. Adults $8 and children 10 and under $5. Tuesday, January 7th Trivia Time at Tizley’s Europub 7:30pm Wednesday, January 8th Weekly Norwegian Lunch Buffet 11am to 2pm at Sons of Norway. Thursday, January 9th StoryTime 10:30am at Liberty Bay Books Saturday, January 11th 2nd Saturday Art Walk 5-8pm. Come browse the wonderful art galleries in town. Listen to music, talk and watch artists in action, sip & snack... just enjoy your wonderful community. also sponsored by
CAFFE´ COCINA
“COFFEE HOUSE” Espresso, Milkshakes, Mochas, Coffee, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert • Newly Expanded Seating Area Featured Artwork by Ami Raime • Premium Coffee by Zoka the months of January & February. Coffee Roaster and Tea Co. Reception January 23rd, 6pm. 360-697-2004 • Free WiFi • Now Offering full Food Menu 580 NW Finn Hill Rd. Poulsbo • Serving Beer, Wine & Spirits 19880 7th Ave NE #102, Poulsbo
360-930-0283 www.ChocMo.com
Caffe´Cocina Coffee House • Newly Expanded Seating Area • Premium Coffee by Zoka Coffee Roaster and Tea Co. • Smoothies, Frappucinos, Specialty Foods, Local Beers & Wine, Free WiFi Monday through Friday 5:30 am to 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday 7:00am to 6:00 pm
580 NW Finn Hill Rd. 360-697-2004
Does your coffee shop have special events such as art shows,
music or poetry readings?
Showcase them in our Coffee Talk section. Call Frank or Ed at 360.779.4464