Brian Sullivan understands Everett’s public safety needs

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, July 18, 2017

The Everett Police Officers Association endorses Brian Sullivan for Everett mayor.

Everett needs a mayor with experience, leadership and the will to “lean-in” to our significant crime problems. The 2015 FBI statistics show Everett has the highest crime rate of Snohomish County cities. Statewide, Everett ranks eighth highest for auto theft, 14th for robbery, 40th for burglaries and 29th for violent crime. This year gang violence and shootings have skyrocketed.

While crime soared the city allowed police staffing to fall as low as 85 percent of full strength. Our downtown team remains at half strength, one of two anti-crime teams was never staffed, and the Domestic Violence Unit no longer exists. High staff vacancies are not safe for officers or citizens, they degrade police service with longer response times, and high detective caseloads slow investigations.

In January, Sullivan assured us that he would prioritize full staffing and support hiring incentives, provide resources for a more efficient hiring process, and hire a recruiting professional to find more candidates and improve employment diversity.

He also shared his plans to implement body cameras for our officers, restart the Domestic Violence program with one officer and a DV coordinator, and create a citizen’s academy to improve community involvement. Regarding the lead contamination issues at the range, Sullivan is committed to undertaking immediate efforts for a permanent solution.

The members of the Everett Police Officers Association believe that Brian Sullivan’s experience, qualifications and demonstrated accomplishments overwhelmingly eclipse those of any other candidate.

James Collier, president

Everett Police Officers Association