Spokane County’s top law enforcement officials made an impassioned plea Tuesday to spare their budgets from spending cuts next year, suggesting commissioners tap the “rainy-day” fund to help prop up public safety services during tough economic times.

County commissioners said no and suggested county staff and residents prepare for cuts.

Read the rest of Jim Camden's story here.

The county law enforcement system already shows signs of what officials say could happen with these cuts: more criminals on the streets.

Read examples here and here.

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