Ironic twist: Low crime rate thwarts federal money
OLYMPIA -- The sheriffs of Grays Harbor and Thurston Counties say they'll ask Washington senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, and any House Representatives who will listen to fight for federal COPS money.
The two counties were among 22 Washington counties that applied for federal help to hire deputies. Although many Washington cities got money, the 22 counties got nothing.
Grays Harbor County Sheriff Mike Whelan said he was optimistic he would receive federal stimulus money. Lumber is not exactly the hottest commodity around, the county has budget problems, and they thought for sure their 13.9% unemployment would get them the money.
"When you take a look at the criteria they used, Grays Harbor County was scored out at 97 percent," Whelan said.
Now 97 percent will get you an A+ in college, but on the federal report card, it gets you zero dollars.
Whelan worries about the cost of the unexpected -- for instance the cost of the search for Lindsey Baum, the 11-year-old girl who disappeared while walking home from a friend's home.
Add that to the prospect of more budget cuts, and the lack of federal money could mean troubles ahead.
"When you lay off deputies the crime rate goes up," Whelan said.
Ironically, a higher crime rate might be what they need to the money. Thurston County Sheriff Dan Kimball showed off a plaque he got from an insurance company congratulating him for a low crime rate. But Thurston County failed to qualify for the money because of a low crime rate.
"One of the things we hear is 'your crime rate is not high enough,' " Kimball said. "And it does seem like a kick in the rear end when they say your crime rate's not high enough, therefore we are not going to help you keep that crime rate from going up."
Kimball says he understands crime may be a big problem in bigger cities. But he says the feds need to understand the needs of counties to keep more rural areas safe and if more money comes available in 2010, the counties need a share of the pie.
The two counties were among 22 Washington counties that applied for federal help to hire deputies. Although many Washington cities got money, the 22 counties got nothing.
Grays Harbor County Sheriff Mike Whelan said he was optimistic he would receive federal stimulus money. Lumber is not exactly the hottest commodity around, the county has budget problems, and they thought for sure their 13.9% unemployment would get them the money.
"When you take a look at the criteria they used, Grays Harbor County was scored out at 97 percent," Whelan said.
Now 97 percent will get you an A+ in college, but on the federal report card, it gets you zero dollars.
Whelan worries about the cost of the unexpected -- for instance the cost of the search for Lindsey Baum, the 11-year-old girl who disappeared while walking home from a friend's home.
Add that to the prospect of more budget cuts, and the lack of federal money could mean troubles ahead.
"When you lay off deputies the crime rate goes up," Whelan said.
Ironically, a higher crime rate might be what they need to the money. Thurston County Sheriff Dan Kimball showed off a plaque he got from an insurance company congratulating him for a low crime rate. But Thurston County failed to qualify for the money because of a low crime rate.
"One of the things we hear is 'your crime rate is not high enough,' " Kimball said. "And it does seem like a kick in the rear end when they say your crime rate's not high enough, therefore we are not going to help you keep that crime rate from going up."
Kimball says he understands crime may be a big problem in bigger cities. But he says the feds need to understand the needs of counties to keep more rural areas safe and if more money comes available in 2010, the counties need a share of the pie.