Spokane C.O.P.S., angered by need to compete for city funding, gets brief reprieve

Spokane's Community Oriented Policing Services (C. O. P. S. ) has been granted a $125,000 contract extension by the City Council, providing the nonprofit with a three-month reprieve in funding.

This decision followed a lengthy council meeting where community advocates passionately defended the organization, underscoring its role in assisting crime victims and promoting public safety. Tensions were high, with accusations directed at Mayor Lisa Brown for allegedly undermining the nonprofit's efforts, alongside threats of political repercussions for council members who opposed funding. Operating for over three decades, Spokane C. O. P.

S. has faced scrutiny regarding its effectiveness, with city officials demanding transparency and data on its operations. Despite concerns about unequal service delivery across its neighborhood hubs, supporters argue that the organization is vital for community safety. The contract extension is intended to give the nonprofit adequate time to prepare a competitive bid for future city funding. Executive Director Jeff Johnson highlighted the need for reasonable requests from the city, citing challenges in meeting administrative demands.

As Spokane navigates public safety and funding issues, the future of C. O. P. S. remains a significant topic for local governance.