Community Government Police & Fire

Police department earns accreditation from state group

After a review process that took more than two years, Gig Harbor’s police department is fully accredited.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs granted the accreditation on May 21. It’s the first time Gig Harbor Police Department applied for the recognition.

Chief Kelly Busey discussed the significance at a city council meeting on Tuesday, May 27.

Among other things, accreditation increases public confidence in the department, Busey said. It also affirms that Gig Harbor’s recruitment, selection and promotion processes are fair and equitable and potentially reduces the cost of liability insurance.

Accreditation standards include issues such as having policies that provide clear direction regarding use of force; prohibit racial profiling; demonstrate fiscal responsibility; and collect, identify and store evidence properly, among other requirements.

It also comes with a $50,000 stipend to defray costs associated with the process, such as training on new software. Only about 25% of police departments in the state are accredited.

While it’s a feather in Gig Harbor’s cap, the real work will come in four years when the department must apply for re-accreditation, Busey said.

That will happen under someone else’s watch. Earlier this year, Busey announced plans to retire on June 23. The timing was tied to the department achieving accreditation.

Geotech assessment for Cushman Trail

A section of fence on the Cushman Trail between Hunt Street and Borgen Boulevard has started to tilt outward in an area that slopes steeply to a ravine and culvert about 30 feet below. The council approved a $14,883 contract with HWA GeoSciences, Inc. to do a geotechnical assessment of the problem. The assessment will determine the stability of the trail and if additional work is needed.

The trail is owned by Tacoma Public Utilities but is maintained by Gig Harbor. Public Works has roped off the hazardous area.

City workers rope off a dangerous section of Cushman Trail.

Flag policy

The council approved changes to city policy for displaying various flags. Most of the changes were housekeeping measures, such as including a new flagpole at Stinson and Pioneer Streets, and adding references to flags displayed in the police department and on streetlights and utility poles. A policy approved by the council in September 2023 failed to cover those flags.

The council further reviewed the policy, and how it applies to flags under 12 inches long displayed during special events in parks and on other city property, at a study session on May 29. It will likely be added to the council’s June 9 meeting agenda for a final vote.

Upcoming meetings

The parks commission will meet Wednesday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m. The planning commission will meet Thursday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss climate and resilience. The next city council meeting will be Monday, June 9, at 5:30 p.m.