2014 Year in Review: Whatcom County Sheriff's Office

By Sheriff Bill Elfo

Thank you, Point Roberts, for your continued support of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office during 2014! Despite severe budget limitations, we leveraged opportunities and partnerships to maintain having two sheriff’s deputies stationed in Point Roberts.

The sheriff’s office has modernized its information management systems in order to better fight crime and allocate resources. Deputies now have more timely data to prioritize patrols, enforcement and solve crimes.

Due to budget restrictions, the sheriff’s office has operated with three unfilled deputy sheriff positions for over two years. Whatcom County Council and Executive have allocated funding to fill two of these positions in 2015 and agreed to work to fill the third position as soon as possible.

The gang and drug task force has been instrumental in reducing gang violence and disrupting sophisticated criminal organizations. Reductions in federal and state funding jeopardized this highly effective program. The council and executive approved the funding needed to continue the Task Force’s focus on gangs, violent habitual offenders and criminal enterprises.

In 2015, we will continue to enhance community safety and maintain the quality of life that exists in Point Roberts.

A safe and adequate jail being necessary to ensure effective justice, the executive’s office is shepherding the planning, permitting and financing for the replacement jail in Ferndale.  The proposed new jail will enhance safety, efficiencies and allow the delivery of mental health services and programs designed to reduce recidivism.