City Leaders Review Spokane C.O.P.S. Contract Amid Calls for Transparency

Spokane city officials have initiated a review of all existing contracts, particularly the expiring agreement with Spokane C. O. P. S. , in response to transparency concerns.

Mayor Lisa Brown has raised issues regarding the organization's failure to provide crucial financial records and performance metrics. To enhance accountability, city leaders are seeking to continue funding for community policing through a competitive process that emphasizes transparency. Mayor Brown highlighted the importance of responsible management of taxpayer dollars, especially given the city's significant budget deficit. Councilmember Paul Dillon supported this view, stressing the need for financial transparency to build public trust. The city intends to implement a Request for Proposal process to ensure that community policing initiatives are effective and data-driven.

Councilmember Lili Navarrete noted the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of C. O. P. S. in various neighborhoods.

This strategic approach aims to balance public safety needs with financial responsibilities, ensuring that Spokane residents feel secure in their communities.