Spokane COPS

Spokane COPS (Community-Oriented Policing Services) is a nonprofit organization based in Spokane, Washington, dedicated to enhancing community safety and crime prevention. Established in 1992, Spokane COPS operates as a 501(c)(3) entity and provides a range of programs aimed at fostering relationships between law enforcement and the community.

History and Formation

The roots of Spokane COPS trace back to a tragic event in 1991 when two young girls were abducted in the West Central neighborhood of Spokane. Following the disappearance of one girl, who was later found murdered, community members rallied to improve safety measures for children and families. This grassroots effort involved collaboration among local residents, police officers, and various community organizations, leading to the establishment of Spokane COPS. The organization's mission has been to connect residents with law enforcement, facilitating coordinated efforts to address crime and safety concerns.

Mission and Goals

The mission of Spokane COPS is to create a safer environment for all members of the Spokane community. The organization works primarily through community volunteers, focusing on problem-solving and collaboration with local law enforcement. Spokane COPS aims to:

• Empower police officers to engage more effectively with citizens in addressing crime and disorder.
• Facilitate the dissemination of crime information between officers and the public.
• Build connections between community members and various public and private agencies to collectively tackle neighborhood issues.

Programs and Services

Spokane COPS offers a variety of programs and services to support community safety, including:

• Neighborhood Observation Patrol: Volunteers monitor neighborhoods to act as a visual deterrent to crime.
• Paws on Patrol: A program that encourages dog-walkers to report suspicious activities.
• Latent Fingerprinting: Assisting residents in fingerprinting their property for identification purposes.
• Operation Family ID: A service that helps families keep vital information about their loved ones in case of emergencies.
• Bicycle Registration: Encouraging residents to register their bicycles to aid recovery in case of theft.
• Block Watch Programs: Organizing residents into groups to observe and report criminal activity.
• Crime Free Rental Properties Program: Working with landlords to maintain safe rental properties.

Spokane COPS has established a network of neighborhood "COPS shops," which serve as local hubs for community engagement and volunteer efforts. Currently, there are several operational substations throughout Spokane, staffed primarily by volunteers.

Funding and Structure

The organization is primarily funded by the Spokane Police Department and receives support from the City of Spokane. Spokane COPS operates with a governance board that includes community representatives, ensuring that diverse community interests are represented in decision-making processes.

Despite its many contributions, Spokane COPS has faced challenges related to volunteer staffing and operational hours, which occasionally limit access for the community. These issues have highlighted the reliance on volunteer participation to maintain the effectiveness and availability of the organization’s services.

Community Impact

Spokane COPS plays a significant role in community policing efforts within Spokane, providing critical support services and enhancing communication between citizens and law enforcement. By fostering a collaborative approach to crime prevention, Spokane COPS aims to empower residents, improve neighborhood safety, and build trust within the community.