North Bend police report hires, new ALPR cameras and grants in 2025 update

A North Bend police department representative delivered a year‑end operational update on Feb. 23, reporting staffing increases, training activity, new technology deployments and several grant awards aimed at expanding enforcement and prevention capacity.

On staffing and training the presenter said the department hired three officers in 2025, has multiple recruits in field training and a total of roughly 23 budgeted positions covering patrol, school resource officers and support roles. The department also secured a competitive U.S. Department of Justice COPS hiring grant the presenter said will fund a dedicated narcotics detective position.

Technology and policy: the department entered a partnership with Flock Safety and installed four fixed automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. The presenter said deployment is complete and currently in a 60‑day trial, but the cameras will not be operational for casework until the department adopts a policy aligned with pending state legislation. The presenter stated, “We don't provide any of this data from these ALPRs to federal partners,” and said the department will design its ALPR policy to conform with state law.

Grants and programs: the update listed a $125,000 COPS hiring grant for a narcotics detective, an $8,750 ODOT grant for traffic safety enforcement, a $56,622 COPS grant partnering with the school district (supporting DARE and school security) and $3,452 from ODOT for portable speed units. The department also highlighted a community‑funded canine program that has raised more than its initial target (presenter put community support above $70,000).

Crime and community work: the presenter described reductions in categories such as criminal trespass, driving while suspended and theft attributed to targeted enforcement and community programs. The department reported about 23,471 calls for service in 2025 and provided counts for homelessness‑related calls (Harbor Drive: 153; McPherson/Union: 43). The presenter emphasized community policing and outreach to the unhoused population.

Questions from councilors addressed traffic enforcement practices and the department’s emphasis on education and warnings over routine citations in suitable cases. The presenter said the agency favors education, training and visibility rather than a quota‑driven issuance of citations.

Ending/Next steps: the department plans to recruit for the federally funded narcotics position, monitor ALPR performance during the trial and prepare an ALPR policy after the state legislature’s action. The presenter also highlighted continuing partnerships with the local school district and tribal nations to address behavioral health and homelessness.

Representative quote: “We don't provide any of this data from these ALPRs to federal partners,” the presenter said, adding the department will wait for state guidance before formalizing operational policy.

The council had follow‑up questions; no formal action or vote on department items was taken during the session.