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Lake Stevens Police report 2025 staffing, collisions and training gains to council
Summary
Chief Jeff Bazzizzo presented the Lake Stevens Police Department’s 2025 annual report, citing 4 vacancies, 709 collisions in 2025, six uses of force, expanded training, new background automation that halved investigation time and community programs including the LEAD diversion and BlueBridge Alliance foundation.
Chief Jeff Bazzizzo presented the Lake Stevens Police Department’s 2025 annual report to council on April 28, summarizing staffing levels, training accomplishments and community programs.
Chief Bazzizzo said the department had four vacancies as of Dec. 31, 2025 and is aiming to recruit and train replacements; he described investments in officer training (more than 5,000 hours reported), accreditation maintenance and new technology. Deputy Chief Dean Thomas highlighted operational data and said the department is looking at a possible swing shift to address peak call times overnight. The report noted 709 collisions in 2025 and six reported uses of force; the deputy chief said those figures reflect significant call volumes and a relatively small number of force incidents.
The department has moved to automated background software (Guardian) that cut time spent on background investigations roughly in half, Chief Bazzizzo said, and implemented an Axon VR training system for realistic scenario practice. The department also described community programs including Citizens Academy, the marine program for summer patrols, the LEAD diversion program and a BlueBridge Alliance foundation that helps officers provide immediate assistance to residents in need.
Councilors thanked the department for the report and recognized staff achievements; the report will be posted to the police department’s public website, the chief said.
