Bloglander

Garland Avenue area business owners have organized a public meeting to rally local support behind opening a new COPS shop to serve the northwest Spokane neighborhood. 

Julie Shepard-Hall, a local business owner and board member for the Garland Business District, says residents believe the shop would provide a united front against crime in the Garland Avenue and North Monroe Hill area.

"It's much needed," she says.

The Garland Business District plans to hold a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 20) at the City Church on Garland Avenue to discuss crime issues and pursuing a new shop.

Shepard-Hall says a local Spokane Police officer, business owners and other community members will speak during the meeting. They will also discuss recent crime statistics, funding issues and other logistics involved in trying to establish a new shop.

The Community Oriented Policing Services program now has 11 COPS shops throughout Spokane. The Garland area belongs to the COPS Northwest detachment, but local business owners want a more central presence.

Shepard-Hall says residents have posted fliers and organized on Facebook in hopes of building local support. She hoped neighbors would take the time to learn about some of the issues facing the area. 

"The more we can get the word out, the better," she says.