Pasco seeks OCVA funding for a domestic‑violence investigator as city finalizes jail and fire interlocal language

Pasco Police asked council to accept initial OCVA grant funding to create a domestic‑violence high‑risk team investigator position using the DALE danger assessment tool. The OCVA offered roughly $44,000 for April–June to cover investigator wages with the remainder of the year’s funding expected from the state later in the cycle. Police said the investigator would focus on high‑risk cases, improve follow‑up and victim-service connections, and reduce repeat offenses and risk of intimate‑partner homicides.

“Funding would bring a sworn investigator to help us investigate domestic violence situations and work with community partners and prosecutors to reduce repeat victimization,” Captain Harpster said.

City staff also updated council on interlocal negotiations: a proposed Franklin County jail agreement includes higher booking fees and clarified medical‑cost allocation; staff pushed for verification/controls prior to accepting medical invoices. Staff reported proposed amendments to facility‑use ILAs with Franklin County Fire District 3 (allowing additional storage and breathing‑air equipment at Old Station 84 with a modest monthly charge and a 3% annual increase) and support for termination of an ALS ILA with Walla Walla County Fire District 5 now that the district has paramedic capability. Council asked staff to finalize contract language and return for decision.

Next steps: council will be asked to formally accept OCVA funds and to approve finalized interlocal and jail contract language on subsequent agendas.