Police Chief Proposes Bold Task Force to Combat Drug Crime

During a recent city council meeting, Oak Harbor's Chief of Police, Tony Slowick, presented a proposal for the city to join the SKIDDU (Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit) multi-jurisdictional task force aimed at combating organized crime, particularly drug trafficking and gang-related activities. Chief Slowick emphasized the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts, noting that organized criminals often operate across municipal and county lines, making interagency cooperation essential.

The SKIDDU task force has been operational since the 1980s and has proven effective in reducing drug-related crimes through combined resources and intelligence sharing among local, state, and federal agencies. Chief Slowick highlighted that Oak Harbor has not had a dedicated drug enforcement officer since 2014, which has hindered the police department's ability to address drug-related issues effectively.

By joining the task force, Oak Harbor would enhance its drug enforcement capabilities and adapt to the evolving needs of the community. The agreement would allow for shared intelligence and increased public safety resources, which are crucial given the city's limited financial capabilities to support such operations independently.

The funding model for the task force relies primarily on federal and state grants, with Oak Harbor's potential contribution capped at 14% of the operational costs, amounting to a maximum of $14,000 should funding be required from the police department's budget. Chief Slowick assured the council that the task force has a contingency funding plan in place to secure operational needs.

Public comments during the meeting included support from resident Richard Hoover, a veteran with experience in similar task forces, who encouraged the council to consider the benefits of the SKIDDU model. The council is expected to vote on the proposal, which aims to bolster law enforcement efforts in Oak Harbor and improve community safety.