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Police chief tells council Sammamish ranks top in state; highlights staffing, training and new canine

Sammamish City Council · January 14, 2026

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Summary

Police Chief Steve Lisonbee briefed the council that Sammamish is ranked No. 1 safest city in Washington and No. 8 nationally, described the department—s contract model with King County Sheriff—s Office, new training exercises, specialized units and the addition of a canine officer.

Police Chief Steve Lisonbee told the Sammamish City Council that the city—s public safety profile remains strong and described operational changes and staffing updates during a presentation that prompted follow-up questions on outreach and enforcement.

"Sammamish is currently ranked the number 1 safest city in Washington and number 8 in the nation," Lisonbee said, citing US News & World Report—s analysis of FBI violent crime statistics and telling council members he will provide the department—s underlying breakdown when WASPIC releases full numbers.

Lisonbee described the department—s contracting model: "We contract for police services with the King County Sheriff's Office and all Sammamish police officers are commissioned King County Sheriff's deputies," a structure he said provides access to specialized county units that the city could not staff independently. He outlined patrol shift schedules (10-hour shifts with overlapping coverage) and described the department—s robust traffic (motors) unit, detectives, marine rescue divers and access to major crimes and reconstruction teams through the county contract.

The chief also highlighted training and personnel investments: a county-partnered live-action "responding to in-progress violence" training that used dynamic scenarios and medical intervention practice; a recently added canine, Falco, and the retooled community engagement officer position now filled by Matt Martin, who will lead school and community outreach and additional crime prevention-through-environmental-design (CPTED) efforts.

During council questions, members urged wider promotion of free car-seat inspections and persistent outreach on e-bike safety in neighborhoods and schools. Lisonbee said the department will reengage schools and tailor outreach under the new community engagement officer.

Next steps: Lisonbee said WASPIC data will be presented to council when available and staff will follow up on outreach and safety program promotion.