City administrator: Gig Harbor police accreditation materials under state review; staffing changes noted

City Administrator Katrina Nootson updated the Gig Harbor City Council on Feb. 25, 2025, that the Gig Harbor Police Department has submitted written materials for voluntary state accreditation and that assessors began reviewing those materials this week. Nootson said assessors had examined “just over half” of the materials and returned only a few items for minor clarification and correction; she said the city expects the process to continue through a full accreditation later in the spring.

Nootson described accreditation as a voluntary review that professionalizes the agency by ensuring policies and practices follow industry standards. She listed topics covered in the accreditation package, including use-of-force policies, records management, training, internal affairs, evidence and property control, and prisoner security. Nootson thanked Chief and Lieutenant Federici by name for their work on the materials.

In the same administrator’s report, Nootson highlighted recent staffing updates: Tyler Ellingboe was reclassified from Water/Wastewater Operator 2 to Operator 3 after completing required testing and accreditation, and Dan Melton advanced from Water Operator 2 to Water Operator 3. She also announced the retirement of Linda Gratzer, the city’s payroll and benefits coordinator, after 33 years of service.

No formal council action was taken on the accreditation update; Nootson said staff will notify council once accreditation is achieved.