During budget debate at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Pierce County Council, the body adopted an amendment that funds the creation of a Sheriff’s unit dedicated solely to property crimes. It’s a measure which Councilmember Rick Talbert has been fighting on behalf of for over two years.
“This is a huge win for the citizens of Pierce County, and I’m grateful the Council saw fit to support this idea,” said Talbert, who represents the 5th Council District. “Property crimes are the number-one concern for the people of my district and across Pierce County. Clearly something needed to be done to help keep the public safe.”
Talbert added that he has been working with the Pierce County Sheriff’s department and other stakeholders for some time to bring this to fruition.
The amendment will add five full-time employees to the Sheriff’s Department to create this new unit, which will provide the Sheriff the ability to aggressively investigate and pursue the arrests of individuals who are committing property crimes within Pierce County. The amendment also adds additional resources to the other departments within the County’s Public Safety arena to ensure that these individuals are prosecuted, sentenced and incarcerated.
The Council worked late into the evening Tuesday to finalize the 2016 budget proposal. It is expected to be adopted on Nov. 16.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rick Talbert, Pierce County Council, District 5
253-798-6653
[email protected]