Spokane police expand park patrols to combat crime this summer

SPOKANE, Wash. — As summer nears and Spokane’s parks fill with the sights and sounds of children playing, a less welcome reality still lurks in the background: illegal camping, drug use, and violent crime.

In response, the Spokane Police Department is expanding a patrol strategy launched last summer, assigning specific officers to individual parks in an effort to curb crime and increase community safety.

This year, neighbors can expect this treatment during all hours.

An overflow of offenses in the summer of 2023 inspired this new approach.

“We had a large spike of violence occurring in our parks. Shootings, and other felony assault-level crimes — which is a huge concern for our police department,” said Capt. Shawn Kendall.

That same summer, the Spokane City Council decided to ban people from remaining in parks after hours. Kendall also implemented a new model, based on the philosophy that “when everyone is responsible, no one is responsible.”

“And gave them sole responsibility for improvements, enforcement, education, and thinking outside the box, whatever strategies they want to utilize,” Kendall said.

Last year marked the first implementation of this strategy — and it showed promising results, statistically speaking.

According to data from SPD, in 2024, officers increased proactive patrols in parks, which led to a significant decrease in violent crimes and calls for service compared to the previous year.

“Being present — uniformed presence — is a huge deterrence and calming factor and safety enhancement for folks,” Kendall said.

As of just a few days ago, Spokane parks are officially open for the season. Restrooms are open, picnic tables are out, and splash pads are operating. Now, Kendall’s team is focused on laying the groundwork for a safe summer.

“But the majority of what we’re doing right now is just, again, here’s the rules of the park and you’ve been advised and, you know, please comply,” he said.