Public Safety

Keeping you safe is the most fundamental task of county government. As Chair of the Council’s Law and Justice/Human Services Committee Dave has successfully worked to make Snohomish County safer.

Dave has been a leader in increasing the number of deputies available to respond to 911 emergency calls. He has worked hard to make sure that the Prosecutor and courts have the resources they need to prosecute criminals. And once convicted, there has to be a place to put them. Dave played key role in finding ways to build the new jail without increasing taxes.

Dave also aggressively looks for more effective ways to combat crime. Examples include:

• Automated Field Reporting which allows deputies to spend more time fighting crime and less filling out paperwork
• The Sheriff’s highly successful Auto Theft Task Force which has recovered over $775,000 in stolen property
• Protecting victim’s rights with a computer system to notifiy them automatically when an offender is incarcerated at the county jail, released, or transferred to another facility.

Dave knows that prosecuting criminals is not enough. Too many crimes are committed by persons addicted to drugs and alcohol. Dave has been a champion for drug and alcohol treatment programs. And Dave recognizes the importance of programs to help children and families and prevent a future generation of criminals.

Dave’s commitment to public safety is demonstrated by his endorsement by the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, People for Safe and Healthy Communities, County Prosecutor Janice Ellis, and County Sheriff John Lovick.