Council discusses interlocal policing talks with Cosmopolis; staffing lag noted

Aberdeen — The Aberdeen City Council on Oct. 22 authorized staff to proceed with discussions about providing full-time police services to the city of Cosmopolis, and councilmembers raised questions about the practical staffing timeline if the cities reach an agreement.

The council reviewed an interlocal agreement outline that would supply full-time police services to Cosmopolis. During discussion Councilmember Ellis asked how the city would cover the lag between executing an agreement and having a recruited, trained officer on patrol. Police staff responded that two officers were currently in field training (one in week five and one in week 10) and that they expected both to complete training and become full-time officers within the next three months, which would help bridge initial staffing needs.

Police staff also said Aberdeen currently provides about 470 hours a month of assistance to the neighboring jurisdiction and that Cosmopolis's call load is substantially lower than Aberdeen's. Council moved and adopted the motion to accept the interlocal agreement report and proceed with discussions; staff will take next steps with Cosmopolis if both parties agree.

No permanent additional officer was hired Oct. 22; council approval on Oct. 22 authorized continued negotiation and consultation about service levels and timing.