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Everett police chief outlines certification push, patrols and technology upgrades
Summary
Chief Strong told the council the department is in certification steps toward accreditation, reported increased directed patrols and seven loaded firearms seized in three months, added SROs and tech upgrades (RapidSOS, Ealerts) and said two new frontline hybrid vehicles are on order.
Everett Police Chief Strong briefed the City Council on department operations during his first months in office, describing a push toward certification and accreditation, staffing and equipment changes, and recent enforcement results. "Right now, we're about maybe 8 to 10 months away from being certified," the chief said, explaining that certification precedes accreditation and involves a team inspection of policies, procedures and facilities.
Strong described a multi-unit response to a recent fraud case that culminated in an undercover sting and arrest and said the department has increased traffic enforcement and directed patrols in parks, reporting that officers "have seized 7 loaded firearms in the last 3 months." He announced additions to the SWAT roster via the regional North Metro SWAT (Everett, Revere, Winthrop and the Sheriff's Department) and said the department will introduce RapidSOS and an Ealerts app so residents can send photos and reports to dispatch. "We're also going to be getting 2 new frontline vehicles for the patrol division," he said, adding that several administrative and parking vehicles will be hybrid models.
Councilors thanked the chief for transparency and asked about the station certification process, SWAT staffing and school resource officer presence; the chief said SRO capacity had been increased to five officers and that the department is working closely with the schools. The chief was excused with customary thanks.
