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Police report cites staffing shortfall, drone pilot and e-bike enforcement challenges
Summary
The Lake Stevens Police Department told the council it has staffing gaps and many newer officers, is piloting drones for real-time intelligence, and is working with legal staff on enforcement approaches for electric bikes and e-motorcycles.
The Lake Stevens Police Department told the City Council on Sept. 2 that it faces a staffing shortfall, has a substantial number of officers with limited experience, and is piloting drone technology to improve response and situational awareness.
"With that, 44 are filled," the police chief said when summarizing department staffing, noting the department has 39 commissioned positions and 10 noncommissioned positions, with five vacancies and five staff on leave. The chief added that 22 staff members have less than three years of service and 11 employees will be eligible to retire within five years.
The chief described several operational initiatives: implementing a state reporting process for use-of-force (WADAPs) that will require additional staff time now that systems do not sync automatically; launching a Rave Alert registration for private businesses and day cares; a regional drone pilot called a real-time intelligence center that provided actionable information in recent incidents; and public education and ordinance work on e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
On drones, the chief said the technology assisted in locating a misentered collision, provided advance intelligence to firefighters during a house fire, and aided in a domestic-violence response that led to an arrest. The chief also described one drone crash during testing.
The department reported suspension of the local police explorer program because of staffing and overtime costs; Snohomish County Sheriff's Office absorbed remaining explorers and provided support for a recent charity event.
Council members asked about training and retention for junior officers. The chief said the department follows a leadership and professional-development plan, with tiers from basic to advanced officer and master patrol officer training, and described coordination and debriefing with regional agencies following incidents.
On electric bikes and e-motorcycles, the chief said state classifications determine where these devices may operate and that enforcement is difficult when juveniles are involved. The chief noted that the county prohibits motorcycles on the Centennial Trail and the city does not allow motorcycles on its trails; e-bikes have more permissive placement depending on classification.
No formal council votes or policy changes resulted from the discussion; the presentation served to inform council of staffing, operational initiatives and ongoing enforcement and training work.
