VANCOUVER, Wash. (KATU) — Vancouver business owners say they are concerned a new police policy limiting citations for some misdemeanor offenses could leave them with fewer options to address repeat problems and make the city more attractive for low-level crime.
The policy comes after city officials said an unfunded Washington Supreme Court mandate limiting public defender caseloads, combined with local budget constraints, has left the city without enough public defenders to handle misdemeanor cases.
Jean-Pierre Parent, owner of Soma Kombucha in Vancouver, said he is frustrated by what he sees as larger budgeting issues behind the policy…