Public Safety Matters: Whatcom County Residents Demand Action on Jail Crisis

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Public safety in Whatcom County is at the forefront of tonight’s community rally/meeting according to Public Safety Matters, a local advocacy page and growing news and information outlet. The event, set for 5:30 PM at the County Courthouse (311 Grand Avenue), aims to address what advocates are calling a “public safety crisis” caused by the county’s overcrowded jail and restrictive booking policies.

Advocates argue that the current jail, operating at half the size needed, has forced law enforcement to adopt booking restrictions that allow individuals arrested for felony crimes to avoid detention. This “catch-and-release” system has created significant public safety concerns, with thousands of outstanding warrants yet to be resolved.

“Criminals LOVE our half-sized jail,” Public Safety Matters stated in a series of social media posts promoting the rally. “Because of booking restrictions, they can commit felony crimes and go free. There are between 5,000 and 10,000 outstanding warrants in Whatcom County, and every day, people with warrants are arrested and released again.”

Community frustration has been mounting since voters approved funding for a new jail more than 14 months ago. Despite this approval, the County Council and Executive have yet to determine the size and specifications of the new facility, delaying its construction and exacerbating safety concerns.

Advocates argue that these delays are putting the safety of residents, law enforcement officers, and even offenders at risk. “Four years is too long to wait for public safety,” the group emphasized.

Tonight’s meeting provides an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and demand immediate action from elected officials. Organizers are calling on leaders to eliminate booking restrictions, resolve the warrant backlog, and expedite plans for a new, appropriately sized jail.

“Our leaders pretend there is no problem or claim there is nothing they can do, yet they fund everything except incarceral solutions,” the page said. “This is a public safety crisis, and it’s time to end the excuses.”

Public Safety Matters hopes to draw a significant turnout, noting that the County Executive recently suggested the Council needs to see “300 people” at meetings before prioritizing the issue.

“The County Executive, when asked what he thought was necessary to get the Council to pay attention to the Public Safety Crisis we face, said, “Bring 300 people…” says Public Safety Matters.

The meeting will feature personal stories and public testimony aimed at holding local officials accountable for ensuring the safety of Whatcom County communities.

For updates on the meeting and ongoing efforts to address the county’s public safety concerns, follow Public Safety Matters on social media.