City of Edmonds may ditch police department, public has little idea

The city of Edmonds is facing a significant budget crisis and is exploring the possibility of contracting police services with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office instead of maintaining its own police department. This potential shift has sparked considerable outrage among the Edmonds Police Officers Association, which argues that such a move would severely compromise public safety. Officers feel increasingly frustrated, believing the city is seriously considering the proposal despite it being labeled as 'exploratory. ' The association's president noted that many members are contemplating leaving the department due to uncertainty regarding their roles and the potential impact on community service. Previous discussions with the King County Sheriff's Office have added to the unrest, as some officers perceive this as a lack of respect for their current service.

The city council is also looking into merging emergency services with South County Fire, further complicating the landscape for local law enforcement. As the city grapples with these drastic measures, officers are advocating for alternative budget cuts that do not involve dissolving their department. The situation remains tense, with many community members questioning how these proposed changes will affect public safety.