You may have already heard news

about the city's plans to cut the

Spokane C.O.P.S. 2011 budget. 

For the first budget draft, the Mayor asked all city departments to take a 2.85% cut off their projected 2011 expense budget.  However, the proposed cut for C.O.P.S. is $120,000!  This makes the total cut to Spokane C.O.P.S. 2011 budget nearly 70% of our total budget.  This devastating cut was unexpected.  Other departments were asked to make reductions, but not to the extent of Spokane C.O.P.S.

With this cut, Spokane C.O.P.S. will lose 2 of its 3 staff and six of our NRO’s (Neighborhood Resource Officers) from the C.O.P.S. Shops.  While the C.O.P.S. Shops will remain open, with volunteers providing services, our ability to maintain the high level of service to the community will be severely, if not permanently, impacted.  This team serves as the first point of contact for the community in crime prevention education and resource referrals.  As you know, the administrative support and the NRO program are vital to the successful delivery of Community Oriented Policing Services for our citizens.

Community Comments Needed.  Spokane C.O.P.S. has operated very successfully for 18 years!  This success is due in large part to the support from citizens like yourself, the Mayor, City Council, Spokane Police Department, Department of Corrections and many more.  The Mayor presented the preliminary budget early in order to have time for citizen comments.  She wants to hear feedback from citizens and she wants City Council members to get feedback from citizens.

They have already asked that you all take part in community comments.  Please contact the Mayor and your City Council representative to tell them how Spokane C.O.P.S. is important to you.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

Christy Hamilton

Director