North Bend police report cites staffing gains, rising calls as council moves ahead with public safety fee ballot title

Police department leadership told the North Bend City Council on March 10 that the department made staffing gains and secured several grants in 2024, even as total calls for service rose 31% from about 18,000 in 2023 to about 23,000 in 2024.

The presentation, delivered by the police chief (name not specified in the transcript), said the department currently has 12 patrol officers and 19 budgeted positions citywide and is seeking to reach 20 budgeted positions. The chief reported two recruits in the training pipeline, including one who graduated from the DPSST academy (named in the transcript as Josh Nowotny). The department also promoted a patrol sergeant and designated watch commanders to expand supervisory depth.

The memo and presentation outlined multiple grants and equipment updates: a $56,000 school violence prevention grant to fund electronic locks and revive a D.A.R.E.-style program across grade…