By Mike Harden, Chief of Police, Lake Forest Park

For years, our police department has operated on lean budgets, stretching every dollar to meet the growing demands of public safety. But we’ve reached a tipping point. Without the additional support of a temporary levy increase to support our police department, the level of service our community expects is at risk.

Our funding comes primarily from the city’s general fund, and it doesn’t just support patrol; it covers dispatch and jail costs, training, equipment, vehicles, and the basic operations that keep our community safe. These aren’t luxuries; they’re essentials. And today, they cost more than ever.

Recent increases in dispatch and jail fees took a major bite out of our budget. Equipment, vehicles, and technology have surged in cost

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