In January 2005, the City of Asotin reinstated the Asotin Police Department after years of contracting with the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office. The City of Asotin Police Department provides 24-hour coverage and are responsible for furnishing cost-effective services including safeguarding public and property, enhancing the community’s favorable quality of life, protecting Asotin’s natural environment, and sustaining a healthy, growing economy for all to enjoy.
Established in 1883, historic Asotin is the County seat of Asotin County Washington, located in the southeast corner of Washington, abutting Idaho and Oregon. The City of Asotin is part of the Lewiston- Clarkston, Metropolitan Statistical Area and is five miles south of the larger cities of Clarkston and Lewiston. Asotin hosts a population of approximately 1,251 community members. Asotin is the entry point for two large recreational resources, the Hells Canyon Recreational Area, and the Blues Mountains. Recreational traffic during the summer months can triple. Asotin sees a daily influx of visitors whether they are visiting the city to attend to business matters, school matters, passing through, or as an access point to the many recreational activities offered in the area.
Asotin embraces and embodies the Community Policing practices. Having a smaller population, the officers can engage with the community members on a personal basis. Officers look to be problem solvers that actively work towards solving issues that arise before becoming a bigger problem that takes more resources. With this mind set, officers can work towards helping the citizens in more ways than just reacting to crime. There is no statistic or number that can be placed on the amount of crime the Asotin Police Department prevents by having a strong patrol presence. The services provided are instrumental to the safety and well-being of the people that live, work, and play in the City of Asotin.
