(The Center Square) – Despite crime increasing by nearly 8% last month, Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall focused on positive trends during his monthly update on Monday, as dozens of jail beds sit empty.
Crime has decreased compared to last summer, according to local data, but larcenies, aggravated assaults and robberies have all contributed to recent increases. The situation took a turn for the worse around mid-July, even though Spokane’s crime rates largely improved over the last winter and spring.
Critics point to Spokane County’s Detention Services Dashboard, which has shown over a hundred jail beds sitting empty for weeks. Some people argue that the Spokane Police Department should be filling those amid rumors that there’s no room for lower-level offenders, but jail staffing can also play a role…