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Police describe new canine, traffic cameras and body‑cam redaction tool; budget asks follow
Summary
Poulsbo police outlined recent staffing gains, the new canine 'Luna', and imminent traffic‑camera testing; the department proposed software to automate body‑camera redaction and a set of budget items (Axon subscriptions, evidence-management updates, training and potential future staffing tied to increased call loads).
Poulsbo’s police department presented an overview of personnel, programs and budget requests during the Sept. 18 meeting, naming new recruits, a revived motorcycle enforcement program and the department’s drug‑detection canine, Luna.
The department announced that the Viking traffic camera would begin a 30‑day test period the Monday following the meeting. Chief Ron Harding (named in the meeting by other council members) and department presenters framed the cameras as part of a traffic‑safety program: one councilmember asked whether cameras are a revenue generator, and staff emphasized the safety intent and an expectation that ticket revenues would ideally cover program costs.
Police staff also proposed purchasing automated body‑camera redaction software to reduce the time required to process public‑records requests. Staff said current workflows require roughly 2.5 hours of review for each hour of footage and that a redaction tool could reduce that to about 1.5 times video length, estimating a roughly 40% reduction in staff hours for redaction work. The department also outlined requests to update evidence management software (FileOnQ), increase Axon subscription capacity, fund training for executive‑level courses, and support continuing upgrades for marine and canine programs.
The police presentation tied several program requests to operational changes: the department anticipates growth in citations, calls for service and evidence workloads as new enforcement tools come online (including cameras and canine operations). Staff said they will return with metrics once the cameras have been in operation for a period and may request additional positions in a future budget cycle depending on call‑load and program effects.
