With the strong leadership provided by Chief Dave Ellis in partnership with Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, providing for public safety is top priority throughout our city.  The current agreement with Spokane County to contract for law enforcement services supported by the Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE) and Neighborhood Watch provides a force multiplier for dealing with traffic safety, drug and gang issues, and crime in our neighborhoods.  Enhancing community engagement in citizen crime prevention and awareness efforts supports increased public safety.  Having experienced the tremendous success of engaging neighbors, businesses, and city partners in the Edgecliff Community when we had the Department of Justice’s Weed and Seed grant program in full action, I've seen first hand the value of bringing neighbors together to help one another on projects both big and small. The success in Edgecliff has been because of the kind, giving people, their openness to learn about one another, and to advocate for acceptance while helping each other out.  These  connections are happening across Spokane Valley.   Public safety is a concern for us all—we can all be part of the solution.