Betsi supports our police

11/05/2022

Mayor Robinson, Deputy Mayor Nieuwenhuis, Councilmembers,

Thank you, Council, for your service to the people of Bellevue! You have a lot of decisions before you that impact your constituents,  the People of Bellevue. One of the most complex issues is the upcoming budget.

As a Bellevue resident, I encourage you to be Bold in the Budget Cycle and show your support for All the People in Bellevue - Support Public Safety!

People in Bellevue deserve to feel safe and be safe. The Bellevue Police Department is committed to reducing the fear of crime and reducing crime, to make sure people in Bellevue feel safe and are safe. I ask that you fully fund budget requests from the Bellevue Police Department, including:

• Community Crisis Assistance Team to de-escalate interactions with Calls for Service from the public.

• Transit Force to accommodate incoming issues associated with Light Rail.

• Additional officers to complete the force and plan for the future.

Over the past 10 years Bellevue Employment increased 19%, and in that time:

• Bellevue Residents increased 25%

• Calls for service increased 37%

• Crime increased 19%

• Police Staffing increased 4.4%  

• Police Staffing per 1,000 declined by 21%

People in Bellevue deserve police that can maintain their regular patrols and address social concerns that impact everyone's sense of safety.

Again, I appreciate Council's dedication and hard work, and encourage you to fully support the Bellevue Police Department Budget requests.

Betsi Hummer