2023-02-27_SwopeDeliberationStatementAs was shared by Sheriff Snaza in testimony, our Sheriff Department is not staffed
adequately to serve the East County area. This is a current problem that needs to be addressed before we consider new large scale development, such as a Master Planned Resort.
While there is no standard for number of officers per 1,000 people, Washington is in the bottom five states in the country for fewest officers per capita.
Lewis County has 24 officers including Sergeants and deputies. During any given shift 1
of those officers is patrolling East County and the rest patrol West County. Most of the
county’s population lives in the west; but that leaves a very large eastern geography with 1 officer and this can impact response time. The proposed Master Planned Resort, with an anticipated impact of 500+ people, is in East County.
Lewis County needs to ensure adequate level of service for the existing community. This is a high priority for the commissioners and the Sheriff Department. Once we have adequate law enforcement for East County, then we can consider new large scale
development.