The Port Orchard Police Department has released its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, outlining five years of goals focused on community engagement, communication, employee development, staffing and accreditation.
Police chief Matt Brown said the updated plan continues work the department began in 2021 and reflects input from officers, professional staff, community members and regional partners.
“We have established realistic and attainable goals — both short and long-term. These goals will drive us as we grow with our community and continue to maintain our status amongst the finest agencies in the State of Washington,” Brown wrote in a message introducing the plant.
Brown described the plan as a “living document” intended to guide the department’s priorities over the next five years.
Expanding community engagement
The department outlined several initiatives intended to strengthen relationships with residents. These include new chief of police community meetups hosted at local businesses and an open house event to give the public access to the department’s operations and staff.
The plan also calls for the development of a formal recruitment strategy aimed at streamlining hiring and attracting applicants who reflect the city’s diversity.
The Community Advisory Board, which has had limited activity in recent years, will be revitalized with a goal of meeting quarterly and expanding membership to include representatives from local businesses, faith-based groups, education, neighborhood organizations, service organizations, justice-aligned groups, military and government, and community members at large.
Enhancing communication tools
The department plans to increase its digital presence through an updated website in 2026 and a new quarterly community newsletter. The redesigned website will include interactive crime statistics and safety resources.
Training and development
Per the strategic plan, Port Orchard officers have averaged 128 hours of annual training over the past five years, far exceeding Washington’s 24-hour annual requirement. Training focuses on areas including de-escalation, patrol tactics and procedural justice.
The plan also highlights mental health supports, including participation in the 1st Watch Wellness program through a two-year grant and efforts to formalize a regional peer support team. The department will need to fund the wellness program internally beginning in 2027.
Meeting service demands
The department noted growing service needs, with community-based 911 calls increasing by more than 40% since 2019. To address rising workloads and maintain service levels, the plan includes pursuing a police staffing study.
Facility needs were also identified. The department, housed in the first floor of City Hall since 1999, has more than doubled in staff and now relies on leased warehouse and office space. The plan suggests beginning to explore options for a standalone, centrally located police facility designed to serve the community for decades.
Maintaining state accreditation
The Port Orchard Police Department first earned accreditation through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) in 2021 and was re-accredited in 2025. Its next accreditation cycle begins in 2029.
Accreditation, established by the Legislature in 1976 and governed by WASPC’s Professional Services Committee, Accreditation Commission and Board of Directors, is designed to ensure agencies meet state standards and best practices. The department noted benefits including increased public trust, improved operational efficiency, strengthened personnel policies and reduced liability risks.
