This bill would allow municipalities to collect a sales tax for “public safety fund” that would have to be spent on police staffing if the number of per capita officers were below the federal per capita level

SB 5361 would limit the ability of local jurisdictions to provide prevention services and respond to dynamic public safety needs

Sample of written testimony/email to committee members

We encourage you to personalize your messages as these are most effective.

Subject: Oppose SB 5361

To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

cc: [email protected]

Hi, my name is <___> and I am a [constituent/resident] from [legislative district]  [zip code] and a member of People Power Washington.

I am writing to urge you to vote against SB 5361.

• Tying local municipalities to an arbitrary national per capita officer rate does not allow municipalities to respond responsibly to public safety needs which vary by jurisdiction.

• Number of officers per capita of population has not been shown to reduce crime rates. The results of increasing officers per capita has been studied with mixed results showing either a statistically significant but negligible reduction or no effect.

• Despite a precipitous overall decline in violent crime since the 1990s police spending has steadily increased. Research indicates that how a police department chooses to spend money is more relevant than per capita officers. 
  

• The bill provides significant money to local law enforcement agencies, some of whom are out of compliance with important state laws, laws meant to keep us safe and provide quality policing for Washingtonians. I am concerned that agencies not in compliance with RCW.101.135, RCW 43.101.095, RCW 10.120.030, and RCW 9.41 present a danger to the public.

This bill would hamper the efforts of local jurisdictions to address their public safety needs. SB 5361 would make it more difficult to address the following:

• We face a critical housing shortage in Washington State. Many of our unhoused neighbors die each year and addressing this human rights crisis depends on providing housing and wrap around services for those in crisis

• We face a record number of fentanyl overdose deaths in Washington State. Addressing the safety of Washington residents means access to evidence-based substance use disorder treatment.

• Gun violence prevention is a critical need. Programs that use a cure violence model reduce gun violence by 30-50%. It is critical that we focus on prevention so that we can prevent harm from happening in the first place and save lives!

• Despite a dire need, many communities across the state have limited or no mental health crisis response. It is critical that local jurisdictions develop and expand community-led mental health crisis responses that can save lives of Washington citizens in acute distress and connect them to vital services!

Local jurisdictions need to develop, plan, and fund public safety initiatives that address the unique needs of their communities. I believe no matter your race, your gender, your income, or how humble your home you deserve safety. This is why I am urging you to vote NO on SB 5361!

Sincerely,

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