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It was just over a year ago that a funding initiative for emergency communication systems and facilities appeared on the ballot in Spokane County.
When the sales tax increase failed by approximately 250 votes in November 2007, many wondered why the return of Crime Check – a vastly popular incident reporting line – garnered little more than a footnote in the weeks leading up to the election.
Last spring, proponents of Proposition 1 made sure to get the word out.
The reinstatement of Crime Check was featured prominently in a series of presentations by Spokane County commissioners, fire and law enforcement officials and citizen supporters prior to the May 20 vote. With the endorsement of city leaders throughout the area, the ballot issue passed with flying colors, earning 66 percent of the vote.
Spokane Valley resident Chuck Hafner, who spoke at many of the appearances along with figures like Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich and Spokane Valley Fire Chief Mike Thompson, said having Crime Check back made all the effort worthwhile.
“I’m glad we passed it,” Hafner said. “This is going to help everybody. I felt it was important to emphasize how important something like Crime Check is – it’s such a benefit to the safety and welfare of the community.”
Beginning Jan. 5, citizens can call the Crime Check number – 456-2233 – to report non-emergency incidents. The tipline will be staffed by operators seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Spokane Valley Police Chief Rick Van Leuven said it was a benefit to keep the same number that had been in place for years.
“I’m just glad we got the same number,” Van Leuven said. “Having this back will mean more accountability and more efficient customer service.”
Approximately 42,000 police reports were filed by Spokane County residents in 2004, the last year Crime Check was utilized. In 2007, that number was down to around 21,000. Citizens could call a crime reporting line in lieu of Crime Check – but not around the clock.
“People were getting frustrated,” Van Leuven said. “They don’t want to leave a voice mail message.”
Meanwhile, the workload for 9-1-1 operators increased, limiting levels of efficiency. When Van Leuven appeared before the Millwood City Council in March of last year, he described how 9-1-1 lines were being clogged routinely.
The new funding – represented by a one-tenth of 1-percent sales tax increase, or 10 cents for every $100 spent – will mean additional 9-1-1 operators, call receivers and supervisors. Improvements have also been made to the center’s call system, ensuring that emergency calls receive top priority.
Van Leuven said the return of the tipline will help citizens fight crime in their own neighborhoods.
“We need the community’s help,” he said. “It’s important for residents to report suspicious activity whether it’s a car driving down their street or something that doesn’t look right. That’s what we’re all about, getting there and interrupting that crime before it happens – but we need to hear about it first.”
Passage of the initiative will also bring vital funding support to other aspects of the public safety communications system including upgrades to narrow band technology and a reverse 9-1-1 program which alerts residents in cases of emergency.
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By
Craig Howard
