Vancouver voters reject Proposition 4, police services levy

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Vancouver voters reject Proposition 4, impacting future police services and staffing. File photo

Proposition 4 would have funded additional sworn police officers, non-sworn police positions, efficiency-enhancing technologies, facility expenses, and costs related to police staff and services

VANCOUVER – While election results have not been certified, preliminary results from last week’s election show that Vancouver voters have rejected Proposition 4, the Police Services Levy.

“While we are disappointed that Proposition 4 did not pass, we understand that public safety continues to be a priority for our community,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “We remain committed to identifying solutions to ensure the safety and security of our community.”

“Although this did not pass, the community indicated underlying support. We will seek to understand why people may have chosen to vote no and see if there may be a path forward with some adjustments to our plans,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn.

“Despite Proposition 4 not passing, I want to assure residents that the Vancouver Police Department remains committed to the safety of our city and dedicated to our core function and service, which is patrol response to 9-1-1 calls for service,” said Interim Police Chief Troy Price. “Over the next few months, the department and city leadership will be looking at what services over time may need to be reduced while our population increases and the police department staffing remains the same. Your continued support will be needed as we navigate into the future.”

Proposition 4 was developed with the 13-member Police Advisory Committee of Vancouver residents, convened by the city manager. It would have funded additional sworn police officers, non-sworn police positions, efficiency-enhancing technologies, facility expenses, and costs related to police staff and services, including the impact of additional staffing on jail, corrections, and public defense.

The election results will be certified on Nov. 22.

Information provided by the city of Vancouver.