MARYSVILLE – More police will be on the streets when they are needed most.
By shifting schedules, additional officers will be on duty from about 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., the department’s busiest times, Marysville Police Chief Rick Smith said.
The shift changes are one part of a reorganization plan introduced by the city’s new chief that includes adding more officers and renovations of the public safety building.
“My goal is to reduce crime on the street,” Smith said.
The City Council approved the plan Monday.
Since taking the city’s top police job in March, Smith said he’s been talking to officers and working with city leaders to determine the best way to restructure the 76-person department.
Smith also used recommendations from a police consultant hired by the city, he said.
In addition to changing shift schedules, Smith is restructuring the command staff, adding two lieutenant positions and a sergeant.
His plan also calls for a dedicated training officer, and a civilian position to analyze crime data, among other responsibilities.
Smith’s reorganization should help the city prepare for continued growth, city administrator Mary Swenson said.
City officials hope to annex about 20,000 more people into the city by 2010, she said. That would push Marysville’s population above 50,000, making it one of the largest cities in the county.
The changes have been well received among the department’s ranks, Marysville police motorcycle officer James Maples said. He’s president of the Marysville Police Officers Association.
“The union is very excited,” he said, adding officers are enthusiastic about promotion opportunities.
They’ve been looking forward to changes since the last department restructuring about eight years ago, Maples said.
“I have not heard any negative feedback whatsoever regarding our chief,” he said.
Smith also is asking for about $50,000 to renovate the public safety building.
The plan will be completed when the department is fully staffed. Currently there are about eight openings.
The changes are what residents have been asking for, Mayor Dennis Kendall said.
“It gives us a better overall handle on the operation and provides better public safety,” he said.
Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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