Tacoma lands $4.6M grant to hire 12 new police officers, with a catch - MyNorthwest.com

Tacoma will add 12 new police officers after securing a $4.6 million state grant approved by the City Council this week. The funding also covers three support staff roles and a contract psychologist for the Tacoma Police Department. Tacoma will contribute about $500,000 from its public safety sales tax, plus $1.6 million toward vehicles and equipment. The key limitation: the grant pays eligible costs only through next June, with the option of a one-year extension. After that, the city would be responsible for the remaining expenses. Tacoma faces a $40 million budget deficit and has a hiring freeze running through year-end. Police Chief Patti Jackson said she expects the officers to remain employed through attrition if state money ends. The city also plans a critical hire review committee to assess vacancies case by case. Anders Ibsen, 39, won the 2025 election for mayor with 57.1% of the vote.