Spokane County discusses forensic training and patrol tactics contracts for sheriff’s office

Spokane County staff told the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 7 that the sheriff’s office will bring several training and consultant contracts forward for approval, including a delayed firearms-forensics certification, patrol tactics instruction and a long-range shooting contract for tactical teams.

The sheriff’s office representative said a regional firearms-forensics training originally planned in the prior year did not take place and was rescheduled; county staff have encumbered funds via a purchase order to cover the training now taking place this year. The training will certify at least one forensics staff member to analyze whether specific rounds were fired from a particular firearm.

Separately, Brian Moen, a retired deputy who has taught for the county previously, is recommended for a contract to develop curriculum and provide reality-based and virtual training for recruits and in‑service staff. Staff said Moen has provided similar services under prior contracts.

Staff also discussed a small annual contract for long-range shooting instruction used by the SWAT team; the county cited a 24‑day package priced at $3,450 for training access at a range the county uses. Commissioners and staff briefly discussed cost and value; no formal action was taken at the briefing.

Staff estimated the firearms-forensics trainee will be away from county duty for multiple months while completing off-site certification; commissioners asked whether the certified examiner would provide services to other local agencies. The sheriff’s representative said the county often functions as a regional service alongside the state patrol and that neighboring counties (Spokane, Whitman, Pend Oreille, Stevens) could be expected to use the capability, with the county able to charge for outside work.

No contract approvals or vote tallies were recorded during the briefing; staff said formal contract actions will be presented through the county procurement process for the board’s consideration at a later meeting.