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Everett looking to add more officers to help residents feel safer

Crime in the city is down, but the police chief said it's what people are seeing on the street that curates a feeling of being unsafe.

EVERETT, Wash. — In her recent State of the City address, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin said that while crime is on a downward trend, her top priority is hiring police officers.

"We must ensure we continue to have a robust, well-trained police force to keep our communities safe," said Franklin in her Jan. 16 address.

The mayor's first of four initiatives was to hire 24 more police officers by the year 2022.

"This will add patrol officers where we need them most, reduce response times, and ensure our residents are not only safe but also feel safe," she said.

Franklin said keeping up with the population is one reason for the initiative. Everett Police Chief Dan Templeman said their officer per-capita ratio is the lowest it's been since 2007.

The main reason for the addition, however, has to do with residents feeling safe.

"We still have work to do," said Templeman.

RELATED: Everett police to outfit officers with body cameras for pilot program

Crime, both violent and property, is down in Everett. Since 2016, violent crime is down 20% and property crime is down 15%. However, Templeman said it is what people are seeing on the street that makes them feel unsafe: encampments, mental illness, and drug dealing.

"Because of how visible those issues are, our community members have a perception that they're not safe," said Templeman.

Everett police have already enacted other initiatives to address the issues seen on the streets, like outreach and diversion programs, but the goal of the 24 new officers would be to increase visible presence.

"The bottom line is that I hear from our community members that they would like to see more police," said Templeman.

There are currently 201 officers working in the department. It is authorized for 206. 

To get the 24 additional officers, it will have to be voted on as a part of the next budget. A dollar figure has not yet been released. Templeman's best guess is at least $2 million per year.

The immediate goal for the Everett Police Department is to fill the five vacancies it currently has by the end of the year.

Also see | Drinks with Daniels: Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin

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