Island County is safe, but we can’t endure unusual events like the recent multi-county crime spree that happened on New Year’s Day. While officers did their best to protect our community, we could have been better prepared. As Sheriff, Wasser will look to improve the readiness of our officers, and get more of our police force trained on SWAT tactics along with Hostage and Crisis training and other advanced techniques (K9, drone, etc). It’s critically important that our officers are ready for anything that can happen.

In an isolated community with one road in and one road out, public communication is key. In the event of a crisis situation, it is imperative that the Sheriff’s office has the knowledge and capability to issue appropriate public statements. Wasser is committed to increasing communications between the Sheriff’s Office and the public on both Camano and Whidbey Islands.

In these trying times, it’s important to find the difference between a crime and a call for help. During his time in law enforcement within Island County, Wasser has worked to expand the mental health capacity of both the Sheriff’s office and the Langley Police Department, and will look to do the same as the Island County Sheriff.

Justice doesn’t stop once officers have made an arrest - there has to be someone who will support victims and help them access resources to reduce the harm they’ve suffered. Currently the Island County Prosecutor’s office manages victim advocacy, but that connection comes much later. Too many victims are left alone to figure out what comes next after they’ve suffered harm. Wasser will work with other agencies to establish a more holistic response for Island County, so no victim will have to walk alone.