While other cities cut back, the Town of Woodway adds officers, resources and tickets

The Town of Woodway has made substantial enhancements to its police resources, increasing patrol hours from 65 to 200 per month following the approval of a public safety levy. Chief Jason Valentine reported that traffic enforcement has grown from an average of three hours a day to eight, with officers focusing on speeding and reckless driving. Over the past year, officers made 200 traffic stops in response to community concerns about public safety. The Woodway Police Department, which consists of 10 part-time commissioned officers from local forces, continues to attract new personnel due to strong community support. In March, the department arrested a suspect linked to high-profile burglaries, underscoring the need for increased public safety measures.

The department also plans to implement Flock cameras to track vehicle movements, but this initiative is currently on hold pending a court ruling regarding data accessibility under the State Public Records Act. The community's support has been vital in these efforts, and the department's commitment to safety remains a priority. Woodway's proactive approach contrasts with other cities that have cut back on police resources.