PORT ANGELES — New numbers from the Port Angeles Police Department show officers handled a heavy and at times overwhelming workload in 2025, responding to roughly 21-thousand calls for service over the course of the year.
In their 2025 Year-End Report, officials say that kind of volume stretches resources in a small department — especially since many calls require two or more officers for safety and response protocols.
There were also sharp spikes in demand. On one day in June, officers handled 82 calls in a 24-hour period, offering a snapshot of just how quickly workloads can surge.
That demand came during a year when staffing was not at full strength. The department reports dealing with vacancies and injury-related absences across patrol and dispatch, putting additional pressure on the officers and communications staff who were on duty.
Despite those challenges, police say they were able to maintain service levels — and by the end of the year, the department reached full staffing across operations, investigations, and dispatch.
Still, officials caution that stability can be temporary. Retirements, lateral transfers, and injuries can quickly create new gaps, especially in a smaller agency where staffing margins are tight.
Looking ahead, the department is working to grow its ranks, with plans to add up to four additional officers through new state funding approved in 2025. Police leaders say those additions could help reduce workload strain and improve response capacity in the years ahead.
Read the full report here: 2025-papd-annual-report