Pierce County considering levy as deputy staffing levels remain too low

Pierce County’s law enforcement staffing levels are low, and that is hitting the agency’s budget — both for overtime and for the future need to hire more deputies. In the end, taxpayers could be asked to pay to cover the cost.

A recent staffing study for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department concludes that deputy levels dropped from 235 in 2007 to 189 in 2016. The department now wants to hire 72-82 new employees — that includes various civilian positions; 40 patrol deputies; 12-18 sergeants; and 3-7 lieutenants.

Related: Seattle police staffing study confirms city is low on cops

The study states that “alternative funding sources need to be investigated.” According to a sheriff’s spokesperson, that means a levy.

The study itself mentions the potential of a levy as part of its funding strategies, along with law and justice funds, and state and federal grants. That budget discussion is expected to be held in 2017.

Study findings

Among the study’s conclusions are that there are not enough civilian employees to help with administrative work, and that the organization is currently “very lean.”

It also notes that while calls remain roughly at the same levels, overtime has increased year after year. That is likely because staffing has gone down, despite adding a few more deputies in the last year — by 10 over the department’s low point.

• 2007: 235 deputies
• 2008: 218 deputies
• 2009: 207 deputies
• 2010: 183 deputies
• 2011: 181 deputies
• 2012: 182 deputies
• 2013: 179 deputies
• 2014: 179 deputies
• 2015: 184 deputies
• 2016: 189 deputies

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