HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-22 - City of Tukwila Receives $250,000 COPS Grant AwardDate:
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6200 Southcenter Boulevard « Tukwila, Washington 48188
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2015
Rachel Bianchi
206 396 0341
Rachel.Bianchi @TukwilaWa.gov
City of Tukwila receives COPS grant
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
The City of Tukwila received a $250,000 grant from the United States Department of Justice
through its COPS Hiring Program to fund two new officers who will serve as liaisons to Tukwila's
immigrant and refugee communities. This grant allows the City to increase its proactive work
and outreach to all communities within Tukwila.
"I am pleased that the Department of Justice continues to recognize the good work of the
Tukwila Police Department and our commitment to engaging with every member of our
community," commented Mike Villa, Chief of Police. "These additional officers will serve as
bridge builders, gaining trust and developing positive relationships between Tukwila's diverse
communities and law enforcement."
Tukwila has a daytime population in excess of 150,000 and 19,000 residents. More than half of
the households speak a language other than English at home, 80 or more languages are spoken
in the public schools, and more than one -third of all residents were born in a foreign country.
These demographic realities present unique benefits and challenges, particularly in working
with communities that may bring very different cultural norms and experiences regarding law
enforcement and laws. Tukwila's COPS grant will help everyone — law enforcement and
residents — better understand each other and expectations, while facilitating increased trust all
around.
COPS Hiring Program funding pays a portion of the new officers' salaries and benefits for three
years, with the City of Tukwila funding the remaining. In addition, as a requirement of the
grant, the City commits to keeping the officers on for at least one additional year. This is the
second COPS grant received by the City of Tukwila. In 2009, the City received a grant for just
under $1 million to hire three officers to the Department's Community Police Team. After the
2009 grant funding expired, Tukwila adjusted its budget to keep the additional officers who
patrol the city's neighborhoods and business district, often on bicycle and foot.
Phone: 206 -433 -1800 . City Hall Fax. 206 - 433-1833 . Website: www.TukwilaWa.gov