By Richard Uhlhorn
Behavior Unit:
Sgt. Rob Huddleston told the City Council at its Tuesday, March 12 council meeting that the department’s Behavioral Health Unit is the biggest advancement in law enforcement he has seen in 28 years. “We were never prepared for mental crisis which caught us off guard,” said Huddleston. “We would just handcuff them and take them to jail. I’m fully on board with this.”
He introduced Erica Hamilton and Sheriff’s Deputy Roux to the Council.
“We are here to help law enforcement with mental health issues,” said Deputy Roux. “We also help with a lot of other things like out patient services.” Other services include school visits. He stated that the unit was an addition to other department units like traffic and drug intervention. “There are so many issues and the unit is specialized and trained to respond to crisis situations.”
Hamilton added that the unit allows law enforcement can focus on law enforcement duties. With the Behavioral Health Unit, people with mental health issues are not falling through the cracks.
The unit is currently averaging 250 contacts per month and Hamilton said the numbers are jumping.
The unit is also using a therapy dog, which she brought along to show the Council and those in attendance. She said they were visiting schools and the Resource Officers. “We want the students to be comfortable when we show up,” she said.
Councilman Bob Goedde asked if she ever felt insecure or at risk. Hamilton replied that she wears a vest and said, “I don’t typically feel unsafe.” Deputy Roux added that they undergo special training and she is generally accompanied by a deputy. “A violent individual may not be fit for that program.”
Goedde asked if the unit was interacting with a lot of individuals that had been through the program.Roux replied that it was not uncommon for people to call Rivercom and specifically request the Behavior Unit.
Marine 2 Funding Request:
Chelan County Sheriff’s Marine 2 patrol boat has served 25 years on Lake Chelan and is beginning to show its age. Sgt. Huddleston explained that the department would like to get Marine 2 refurbished.
The company, Safe Boats International built the boat in 1999 and is still in business. Huddleston contacted them and received a bid of $156,000 to completely refurbish with all new equipment. “The hull is still solid,” said Huddleston. “But the electronics and other components need attention. A new boat would cost $400,000.”
Lake Chelan is becoming a busy boating mecca and Huddleston reported that Marine 2 has spent 75 percent of its time in the lower basin. Last year, the marine patrol performed 585 vessel inspections and warnings. Eighty two percent of these contacts were from people outside of the area.
“Last year we led the state in boating contacts,” stated Huddleston. He also remarked that Lake Chelan has the largest rental fleet in the State.
“Is the City willing to help the department with refurbishing the vessel,” asked Huddleston. While he wasn’t looking for an answer at the Tuesday meeting he told the Council that Safe Boat International is holding a build spot at their facility with a promise to have it refurbished and back in Chelan before the boating season.
Councilman Mark Eriks asked if it would have all new equipment on it. Huddleston replied that it would and that the new equipment is much better than the equipment on the vessel now. “It just needs to be redone.”
Goedde asked if 3 percent lodging tax could be accessed for the job? Tim Hollingsworth remarked that the Sheriff’s Department has a generous contract with the City. Huddleston replied that the department has never had a scheduled replacement program in place.
He also stated that the department was in contact with the County Commissioners.
Mayor McCardle said they would bring the issue back for a vote quickly.
All Things Lake Chelan 