Kenmore police report scheduled for April 28 shows staffing vacancies and low officer ratio
The 2024 police services report, scheduled for presentation at the April 28 meeting, shows Kenmore has two patrol officer vacancies and about half the state average for officers per 1,000 residents 1.
What the records say
In materials published ahead of the April 28, 2025 meeting, the record included the 2024 Police Services Report presented by Police Chief Brandon Moen. The report says the Kenmore Police Department currently has 12 commissioned officers, with 10 assigned to patrol, and two patrol officer vacancies 1. It also shows Kenmore has 0.62 officers per 1,000 residents, about half the state average of 1.29, ranking second lowest among King County cities and fifth lowest in Washington 1. The report notes Kenmore was ranked the 5th safest city in Washington by Safewise 1. It also details two use of force incidents in 2024, both found to be within policy 1.
- Kenmore has 12 commissioned officers, 10 in patrol, with 2 vacancies 1
- Officer ratio is 0.62 per 1,000 residents, about half the state average of 1.29 1
- Calls for service decreased 10.7% from 2023 to 2024 1
- Crimes against persons increased 12.2%, crimes against property decreased 11.4% 1
- Kenmore ranked 5th safest city in Washington by Safewise 1
- Two use of force incidents in 2024, both found within policy 1
Why it matters
The staffing ratio and vacancies matter because they affect how quickly officers can respond and how much coverage the city has. The report shows average response times for priority calls, with Priority X at 3.49 minutes, Priority 1 at 8.62 minutes, and Priority 2 at 9.57 minutes in 2024 1. The vacancies mean fewer officers on patrol, which could impact response times and proactive policing. The report also highlights the city's contract with the King County Sheriff's Office for services, which provides specialized units and mutual aid 1.
What changed / what's next
- Calls for service down 10.7% from 2023 to 2024 1
- Crimes against persons up 12.2% 1
- Crimes against property down 11.4% 1
- Motor vehicle theft up 10.2% 1
- Burglaries down 7.5% 1
- Theft down 22.0% 1
- The report notes two patrol officer vacancies that the city hopes to fill when KCSO staffing challenges dissipate 1
- In-car video will be installed in about half the vehicles by end of 2025 1
- A 2024 comparison with neighboring cities will be available in summer 1
- The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome.