Battle Ground Police report crime declines, roll out body cameras, drones and new tasers; chief seeks five additional officers
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Summary
Police Chief Dennis Flynn told council that major crime categories fell in 2024, the department added body‑worn cameras and is expanding drone and traffic enforcement programs. Flynn said staffing remains below peer averages and requested five officers to improve patrol coverage and a task force position.
Police Chief Dennis Flynn gave the council an overview of the department’s 2024 results and 2025 priorities at the April 7 meeting, highlighting a drop in major crime categories, the rollout of body‑worn cameras and new equipment and an ongoing staffing shortfall.
Flynn said all major crime categories decreased in 2024 but noted a spike in fraud crimes targeting older residents. He said body cameras have helped investigators and provided more complete evidence for complaints. On technology, he described expanded use of drones for traffic monitoring and a “jammer” radar device used to collect speed data at particular sites.
On equipment and training, Flynn showed the department’s new taser model and described its technical differences. He said the department moved from earlier units that allowed only two discharges to newer devices that can carry more cycles but limit output; the chief said the new units deploy about 1,000 volts and “give the officers time to get in there and get cuffs on.” He also noted the department’s peer‑support program and a comfort dog, RAF, used in outreach.
Staffing and accreditation: Flynn said the department’s officers‑per‑1,000‑residents ratio fell from 1.51 in 2012 to about 1.25 today—below the national average of about 2.2 officers per 1,000 residents. He asked council to consider adding five officers to increase squad staffing and add one position for a drug task force he said has seen fentanyl‑related cases climb from two or three per year to 26 in the most recent period.
Flynn also described a plan to seek reaccreditation under the state process, a multi‑year effort that requires submission of proofs for more than 140 best practices. He said the agency plans to complete the accreditation submission in 2025 and seek reaccreditation in 2026.
Council discussion focused on recruitment, grant opportunities and school resource officer coordination; Flynn said the SRO partnership with the school district is strong and that wellness and clinician support is part of the department’s peer‑support program.
The department provided its annual report slides and offered to answer additional council questions in the coming weeks.