SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Spokane County Commission appears set to approve an amendment to its interlocal agreement with the City of Spokane Valley and the Spokane County Sheriff.
The City of Spokane Valley conducted a comprehensive police staffing study in 2023, which recommended increasing officer staffing levels to improve response times and reduce officer burnout.
In 2024, the City Council approved Phase One of an implementation plan, hiring 10 additional Dedicated Officers, a shared Lieutenant and an internal City Public Safety Coordinator.
Following the success of Phase One, the City Council approved Phase Two of the implementation plan following voter approval of the public safety sales tax.
This phase includes the hiring of 10 additional Dedicated Officers and one shared detective. The funding for these positions will begin on January 1, 2026.
Additionally, the plan includes converting a patrol deputy to a K9 deputy, as recommended by Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis. The four K9 units will be assigned to each of the day and night platoons.
During its January 6 meeting, the county commission is expected to sign a resolution that acknowledges a letter by Sheriff John Nowels, signaling mutual agreement on the implementation plan.
