Public Safety & Crime Prevention
Spokane is facing a crisis—we have high crime rates and many areas of our community feel unsafe and out of control. We need a Prosecutor who won’t make excuses, just gets results. Steve Garvin is tough, tested, and ready to act. He’ll take an aggressive, victim-first approach to violent crime and make repeat offenders a top priority for incarceration – ending the revolving door for those who threaten our safety. At the same time, real accountability means more than just jail time. Non-violent offenders will be held accountable, but also given a chance To turn their lives around through expanded opportunities for mental health court, drug court, and strict probation. Spokane deserves clean streets, safe neighborhoods, and Steve Garvin will deliver with action, not talk.
Violent Crime
Justice for Victims. Accountability for Offenders.
Violent crime leaves lasting scars—and victims deserve more than just words. They deserve justice. Prosecutors must do more than file charges. They must meet with victims, understand their trauma, and fight for full accountability. Justice means seeking punishment that fits the crime. And it means treating every victim with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Steve Garvin gets it. Now in his 30th year since he prosecuted his first criminal case he has consistently enforced the Washington Victims’ Bill of Rights, standing up for victims in courtrooms across our state. As Prosecuting Attorney, Steve Garvin will make sure Deputy Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges uphold the highest standards of respect for victims—because justice demands nothing less.
Chronic Offenders
No Excuses, No Second Chances
A small number of repeat offenders commit the majority of crimes. It has been proven time and time again that between a small number of criminals commit the majority of crime. Steve Garvin will launch a Chronic Offender Initiative to focus relentless attention on these individuals and put a stop to the cycle of crime. The plan includes three clear steps:
- Identify Chronic Offenders at arrest
- Immediate charging for chronic offenders means real time prosecution.
- Chronic offenders deserve the maximum sentence consistent with justice.
With this focused approach, no chronic offender slips through the cracks. Repeat criminals face swift justice and Spokane will be safer.
Real-Time Prosecution
Justice delayed is justice denied. As a leader at the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Steve Garvin transformed multiple units from backlogs to real-time. He will not tolerate delays in case review or filing. Once a case is filed Steve Garvin will insist that Deputy Prosecutors move cases through the court system efficiently. Delays harm victims and defendants alike, Steve Garvin has decade of experience and a proven track record of prompt filings, offender accountability, and timely justice.
Drug Addiction & Mental Health
Steve Garvin knows that the first step of recovery is accountability. Sometimes, the best way to break the cycle of addiction and mental illness is through court ordered treatment. That’s why he’s committed to expanding Drug and Mental Health Courts across Spokane County, because these proven programs deliver real results and save the taxpayer money: fewer re-arrests, reduced jail time, and safer streets. He’ll push to expand therapeutic courts throughout Spokane County. This is about getting giving addicted and mentally ill offenders a path forward while at the same time making the streets of Spokane cleaner and safer.
