PORT ANGELES — A veteran patrol officer assigned to the city’s downtown is the highlight of the police department’s almost $4 million 2006 budget.
But the new officer won’t be patrolling the streets until summer 2007 because of the time necessary to recruit, hire and train a new officer to replace that veteran officer.
“The dedicated downtown resource officer is going to be a fantastic program,” said Police Chief Tom Riepe.
The officer’s role will be modeled after that of the school resource officer who has worked at Port Angeles schools for six years, he said.
The officer will work downtown for 40 hours a week, getting to know the people and area, Riepe said.
The officer wouldn’t be available to cover other shifts, just like the school’s resource officer, he said.
Riepe said he might be able to appoint someone to the position in 2006 but the person still would be responsible for regular patrol duties until 2007.
“It’s good to start planning now,” Riepe said.
“This is a positive thing.”
The officer will be responsible for the area covered by the pedestrian interference ordinance approved by the City Council in May.
The area runs from Valley Creek Estuary Park to Francis Street Park and from the waterfront to Second Street between Valley and Laurel streets, extending south to Fourth Street between Laurel and Peabody streets.
It covers an area larger than the Parking and Business Improvement Area that downtown merchants currently fund and includes the Safeway store at 110 E. Third St.
The idea for a dedicated downtown police officer originated from a December 2004 meeting of the Port Angeles Downtown Association.
Riepe began lobbying for the new position in February when he spoke at the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce’s weekly luncheon.