Questioning Coulee Dam/Electric City police contract

As a longtime resident of Coulee Dam, I have concerns as to why the town of Coulee Dam and the Police Department are negotiating to take over the handling of police services for the Electric City area. Coulee Dam is already down one officer and will have to hire another one to cover Electric City.

Crime is now rising in the Coulee Dam area. I unfortunately found this out the hard way over (the weekend before last), as my home was burglarized.

In the early hours of Monday morning, while I slept, person/s broke into my house and went through my living room and stole my television, laptop, purse, and other items. They ran out the back door, leaving it open. I am disabled and confined to a wheelchair, and the burglary was only discovered when my caregiver arrived for work.

I filed a police report, but being realistic, I know the chances of getting my items returned are slim. I worked for the Tribal Police for many years as a dispatcher and I saw first hand the challenges officers go through trying to solve crimes. Which is why I have problems with Coulee Dam contracting police services for Electric City. Grand Coulee is closer and it makes more sense for their department to cover Electric City. Their officers are familiar with the area already. A new hire for Coulee Dam would have to get to know the area and residents, which takes time. I hope Coulee Dam’s Town Council will reconsider their decision. I have great respect for our police and hope they get the funds they need to serve and protect our towns citizens.

The only items that I would really like to get returned are a Star Trek II Wrath of Khan movie painting that my late mother did and a Franklin Mint World War II knife set. I am offering a cash reward for the return of my painting. If you have any info, please contact the Coulee Dam Police, 509-633-1234, or email me at wsim2323@gmail.com.

Thank you from a concerned citizen,

Winona Simons

Coulee Dam