The Lynnwood City Council Special Work Session on September 29, 2025, focused on critical staffing challenges within the police department, particularly concerning the recruitment and retention of officers. The meeting highlighted the current staffing levels, budget implications, and strategies to address ongoing vacancies.

During the session, officials reported that the police department is currently authorized for 81 commissioned officers but is facing significant staffing shortages, with only 21 officers available for duty. This shortage has resulted in a reliance on overtime to maintain adequate coverage, which is not sustainable in the long term. The department has also experienced a recent increase in vacancies, with six positions unfilled in just over two months.

The discussion included the challenges of recruiting new officers, particularly in light of a six-month wait to enroll recruits in the academy. This delay, combined with the lengthy training process, means that replacing lost officers can take up to a year and a half. The department is also facing competition from neighboring jurisdictions, which are offering substantial signing bonuses to attract lateral hires.

Budgetary constraints were a significant theme, with a vacancy savings of approximately $2.54 million noted in the approved budget. This figure reflects the financial impact of unfilled positions, as the department has not attempted to hire new officers for 2025. The council discussed the importance of maintaining a fully staffed jail, which is essential for operational safety and the implementation of programming.

In response to the staffing crisis, the department is exploring partnerships with Sound Transit to create a transit unit, which would involve hiring two bicycle-mounted officers to enhance safety in transit areas. This initiative aims to address the increased calls for service associated with the expansion of transit services in the region.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the ongoing challenges faced by the police department, emphasizing the need for strategic hiring and retention efforts to ensure public safety and effective community policing. The council expressed a commitment to supporting the department in overcoming these staffing hurdles as they work towards a more sustainable operational model.