Everett Police Chief Dan Templeman answers questions from the audience.
Called “Coffee with a Cop” the first meeting was held Monday night at the downtown Everett Library. Questions were submitted both online and in person.
Among the questions, Will Everett Police be equipped with body cameras as is being done at many police departments around the country? Templeman said while he likes the technology he has no plans for body cams due to limitations over cost, storage of the videos and public disclosure concerns. “I don’t think cameras are the answer,” said Templeman. “I think more public contact and meetings like this are.”
Templeman also explained he believed that most police encounters are likely video taped either by cell phone cameras or cameras on buildings. “As I sit down with new officers in their chief’s interview we talk about how officers should assume their every move is being recorded,” he said. “They need to act in a professional manner at all times.”
Templeman went on to address staffing and how the Everett Police Department has hired 19 officers in the past 15 months. They still have a way to go as their current staffing level is at 180 officers out of 201 positions budgeted. He says the hardest part is finding qualified applicants who meet department standards. Templeman also explained that it takes ten to twelve months from the day an officer is hired until they are actually on the street.
Other topics included gangs, responding to homeless issues and when to call 9-1-1.
There will be another question and answer session with the chief on Wednesday September 30th at 6:30pm at the south Everett library branch at 9512 Evergreen Way.
To learn more about Friends of the Everett Public Library, click here.
September 22, 2015
Events in Everett, Everett, Police Blotter