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Police chief outlines staffing challenges, $125,000 event‑security grant and recruitment steps
Summary
Chief Jonathan reported Q1 2026 highlights: a $125,000 grant for protective event barriers, staffing losses of about six officers (with many leaving the profession), enhanced recruitment and in‑house background investigators, a recent lateral hire (Abby McVey) requiring academy enrollment, and ongoing wellness and retention efforts.
Chief Jonathan presented the Police Department’s first‑quarter 2026 report. He said he returned to duty late in the previous year and thanked Commander Gilbert for filling in. The department received a $125,000 grant from the Stillaguamish Scribe to purchase protective barriers for special events; Chief Jonathan described those as military‑grade barriers intended to stop vehicle intrusions at large gatherings.
He reported the department is experiencing significant staffing challenges and has lost roughly six to seven employees in a recent period. The chief said losses have come as some people are leaving the law‑enforcement profession entirely rather than transferring to other agencies; he compared the present trend to earlier cycles and noted national recruiting pressures and higher incentive packages elsewhere. To address vacancies, the department has trained three in‑house background investigators and is conducting active recruitment and lateral hiring. Chief Jonathan said lateral recruits’ readiness depends on background checks but training can be condensed (about 20 shifts) so a lateral could be on the road in roughly one to two months if backgrounds move quickly.
The chief introduced a new officer, Abby McVey, who joins from Department of Defense Police. He explained that certain federal training programs are no longer recognized by the state, so she will need to complete the Arlington academy unless regional scheduling allows earlier placement. The department also recognized internal awards, promotions and an officer who received a lifesaving medal through Marysville Police Department.
Council members asked about lateral timelines and staffing cycles; the chief said background investigation timing is the main variable and that the department continues to reassign detectives temporarily to patrol to reduce overtime costs and maintain coverage.
The chief closed by noting the department is preparing its annual report and is focused on wellness and retention to address the staffing wave.
