PORT ANGELES — The city would need a three-year commitment of $40,000 annually to fund a dedicated downtown resource officer, Police Chief Tom Riepe told a group of about 50 people Thursday night at Downriggers restaurant.
“The issue is funding,” Riepe said, adding he would welcome other financial support besides money just from downtown merchants.
After three years, the city might be able to afford to entirely fund the position, he said.
It would take one year to recruit, hire and train an officer to replace the veteran officer who would be assigned as the downtown resource officer, Riepe said.
But that downtown resource officer, who will be chosen in consultation with the Port Angeles Downtown Association, could begin establishing relationships now, he said.
The proposed downtown resource officer would be responsible for the same area covered by the pedestrian interference ordinance approved last month by the City Council.
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.
Riepe said the cost for the officer, including salary, benefits and equipment, would be about $79,000, so downtown stakeholders would need to pay $40,000.