Port Orchard police had 473 arrests out of 16,147 calls for service in 2024, with force being used in those instances less than 3.7%. And officers issued 664 citations, a 27% increase from 2023.

The department released its 2024 professional standards report, detailing use-of-force incidents, citizen complaints, training efforts, and vehicle pursuits. The report provides an overview of the department’s operations and policies throughout the year.

Most arrests with force involved physical control techniques, and Tasers were deployed in three cases. All use-of-force cases were reviewed and determined to be within policy. Officers completed a 24-hour patrol tactics course focusing on de-escalation and minimizing force. The department reviewed its use-of-force incidents and investigated one citizen complaint alleging racial discrimination, which was determined to be unfounded. Officers continue to receive training in bias-free policing.

Four vehicle pursuits were performed in 2024, an increase from one in 2023. The number of suspects who attempted to elude officers decreased from 50 to 32, a trend attributed to recent changes in state pursuit laws. All pursuits were reviewed and found to be within policy.

Six officer-involved vehicle collisions were reported, all classified as preventable. Officers receive ongoing driver safety training to reduce future incidents.

Five citizen complaints were filed, up from two in 2023. Three cases resulted in officer exoneration, one was unfounded, and one was classified as “not sustained.” Four administrative investigations were conducted, leading to one sustained policy violation that resulted in disciplinary action. Another case led to a policy amendment, while the remaining two investigations found no violations.

Officers averaged 138 hours of training in 2024, exceeding the state minimum requirement of 24 hours. Training topics included de-escalation tactics, crisis intervention, anti-bias practices, and emergency vehicle operations. The department continues its participation in the Washington Data-Enabled Performance System, a program designed to enhance accountability and officer performance through data analysis.

“The staff of this agency hold themselves to a high standard and recognize our community does as well,” chief Matt Brown said. “I am proud they are responsible for the ethics of our profession and the values we hold true. I look forward to your feedback on our work. Our team is part of the community, and our community is part of our team.”