When I came to Kent in 1967 there were about 15,000 residents. It was a small town with a rich agricultural history. There was nothing urban about Kent – you went to Seattle for all of that.
Kent’s police force was small, known by first names, and their work was simple. Today we have more than 125,000 residents. We are no longer a small town, not even suburban. We are an urban city, almost the size of Bellevue.
I did a five-hour ride-along with one of our officers the other week to learn more about policing in Kent today. What amazing officers we have. What complex people and situations they encounter. The emblem they wear has three words: service, pride, integrity. They live that out every day.
Kent Proposition A contains two elements that specifically address contemporary policing challenges. The Kent jail was built in 1986. It contains only one cell for those who are mentally ill, adequate for 30 years ago. Today the mentally ill often comprise more than 50 percent of the jail population.
Chief Ken Thomas says, “If this measure passes, we’ll construct additional crisis cells at the jail, and replace badly-needed wiring and plumbing, extending its life for about 30 more years.”
Daily news reports tell of critical incidents where police respond to life-threatening situations. This bond will double the size of our 25-year-old Firearms Training Facility to provide realistic training for critical incidents, including situations involving active shooter. This provides our officers with the best tactical training so they can protect us and themselves.
Vote yes on Kent Proposition A for a safer Kent.
Marvin Eckfeldt is a retired minister and former chair of the Kent Human Services Commission.
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