Ellensburg Police Department

06/05/2026

New RPZ ordinance update! 🚨

The City of Ellensburg Code Enforcement Office wants to remind the public about recent changes to our Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) rules near Central Washington University.

RPZ permits are free permits available at City Hall for residents in designated zones and their visitors. These permits are only for accessing or visiting a residence or business within the RPZ.

Using an RPZ permit to attend class, work, or visit CWU without visiting someone in the zone is not allowed under ECC 8.54.

Misuse may result in:
• Revocation of permits
• Fines of $25, $50, and $75 for repeat violations

These updates are intended to help protect parking access for neighborhood residents.

For questions about RPZ permits, please contact Code Enforcement at 509-962-7280.

06/04/2026

Important information about road closures this Saturday.

There will be some road closures on Saturday, June 6 for the Kittitas County Pride Parade.

The parade route follows 5th Avenue from Poplar St. to Pearl St., down to 3rd Ave. over to Ruby St., up to 5th Avenue and back to Poplar St. Those streets will be closed beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 6.

Chestnut Street will be closed during the start and end of the parade. Please plan for alternate routes. Roads will be reopened after the parade.

06/03/2026

Pet overpopulation in the United States remains a significant welfare issue, with millions of dogs and cats entering shelters each year and a large proportion being euthanized.

Annual Shelter Intake:

🐾 In 2024, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues, down slightly from 2023 ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/helping-shelters-people-pets/us-animal-shelter-statistics)
🐾 In 2025, this number was about 5.8 million again, with a 2% decrease from 2024 Shelter Animals Count (https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/2025-report)
🐾 Most animals enter as strays (≈60% in 2024, 59% in 2025), followed by surrenders (≈29–30%) ASPCA+1 (https://www.aspca.org/helping-shelters-people-pets/us-animal-shelter-statistics).

Adoptions:

🐾 In 2024, 4.2 million dogs and cats were adopted, roughly the same as the previous year ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/helping-shelters-people-pets/us-animal-shelter-statistics).
🐾 In 2025, adoptions remained steady at 4.2 million, with dog adoption rates rising from 55% in 2024 to 57% in 2025, and cat adoption rates at 63% Shelter Animals Count (https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/2025-report).
🐾 Adoption sources vary: dogs are most often adopted from rescues (32%) and government shelters (31%), while cats are more evenly distributed across shelter types Shelter Animals Count (https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/2025-report).

Euthanasia Rates:

🐾 In 2024, 607,000 animals were euthanized in U.S. shelters, a 2% drop from 2023 ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/helping-shelters-people-pets/us-animal-shelter-statistics).
🐾 In 2025, 597,000 animals were euthanized, including 320,000 dogs and 277,000 cats Shelter Animals Count (https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/2025-report).
🐾 Euthanasia rates have fallen from 13% in 2019 to about 8% in 2024 ASPCA but remain high for cats (≈25–30% in some reports) gitnux.org.

Capacity and Trends:

🐾 Many shelters are full or nearing capacity, with animals staying longer before adoption, especially large dogs ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/helping-shelters-people-pets/us-animal-shelter-statistics).
🐾 Median lengths of stay have improved slightly in 2025 but rescues still tend to have longer stays than government or private shelters Shelter Animals Count (https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/2025-report).
🐾 About 82% of U.S. shelters are now “no-kill,” meaning they save at least 90% of healthy, treatable animals World Animal Foundation (https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/animal-shelter-statistics/).

Last year, approximately 5.8 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide. Learn where they come from, and how you can fight animal homelessness.

06/02/2026

UPDATE! OWNER FOUND!

Anyone recognize this pup? It has been running in the area of 14th Ave and Water St. Animal Control has been trying to catch it but has not been successful.

If you recognize this dog or are the owner, please call Animal Control Officer Monson at 509-962-7280.

Please share to help us reunite this pup with its owner.

06/01/2026

The Ellensburg Police Department is seeing an increase in illegal electric motorcycles on city streets.

Washington has addressed this issue through ESSB 6110, which helps clarify the difference between electric-assisted bicycles and electric motorcycles.https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/6110-S.SL.pdf

Beginning June 11, 2026, an electric-assisted bicycle in Washington must:
• Have fully operable pedals
• Have a motor rated at 750 watts or less
• Meet one of the state’s three e-bike classes. See RCW 46.04.169 https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.04.169

If a vehicle does not meet the legal definition of an e-bike, it may be regulated under other Washington laws applying to motorcycles, mopeds, or other motor vehicles.

Riders and parents should know that electric motorcycles operated on public roads must comply with licensing, registration, insurance, helmet, and traffic law requirements.

Parents/guardians can be held responsible for allowing an unlicensed juvenile to operate a motor vehicle and may face citations.

These laws exist to protect everyone — riders, drivers, and pedestrians. Misuse of electric motorcycles, especially by underage or unlicensed riders, can lead to tragic consequences. We urge all residents to be informed, ride legally, and help us keep Ellensburg safe.

05/27/2026

Summer is here, and we know that means boats, campers, trailers, motor homes, and other summer “toys” are coming out.

Just a reminder: city streets are not for long-term storage.

Per Ellensburg City Code ECC 8.12.040, these vehicles cannot be parked on city streets for more than 24 hours. Violations may result in a $25 ticket and possible impoundment.

These rules help keep streets clear so crews can complete street sweeping and other important maintenance.

Let’s work together to keep Ellensburg safe, accessible, and looking its best this summer.

Questions? Contact Code Enforcement at (509) 962-7282.

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our country.

Memorial Day is more than the start of summer — it is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of those who never made it home, and to keep their families and loved ones in our thoughts.

As our community gathers with family and friends, we encourage everyone to take a moment to remember the true meaning of this day.

From all of us at the Police Department, we offer our gratitude and respect to those who gave everything for our nation.

05/22/2026

🇺🇸Memorial Day Weekend Safety Reminder from Ellensburg Police Department🇺🇸

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Ellensburg Police Department encourages everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly.

If your plans include traveling, attending gatherings, or spending time outdoors, please keep safety in mind:

🚘Drive sober and never get behind the wheel impaired.
🚖Buckle up and make sure all passengers are properly restrained.
📵Put the phone away and stay focused on the road.
🚧Slow down and watch for increased traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists.
🏠Plan ahead if you will be away from home and remember to lock your doors and secure valuables.
⚠Use extra caution around parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces where families and children may be active.

Memorial Day is also a time to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As you gather with family and friends this weekend, please take a moment to reflect on the meaning of the holiday.

Have a safe and respectful Memorial Day weekend.

05/20/2026

INVESTIGATION UPDATE: MISSING FORKY KITS RECOVERED

School Resource Officer Self is happy to report the Forky kits taken from a Valley View kindergarten class have been located! SRO Self stopped in to get an update on the case, and these incredible Junior Officers did an excellent job explaining what they did to solve the mystery! After conducting their own interviews, analyzing clues and comparing facts, these amazing kiddos discovered another teacher took the Forky kits by mistake. They showed compassion for the circumstances, and this case was resolved without arrest. They were rewarded for their hard work with treats, and SRO Self handed out Award Certificates to these absolutely awesome Junior Officers!

05/18/2026

Ducklings Safe Thanks to Quick Community Action

A big thank you to four good Samaritans who stepped in two weeks ago to help wrangle 10 baby ducks and a mother duck off Main Street and out of harm’s way.

Animal Control Officer Monson responded and carefully carried the baby ducks in a box while the mother duck followed close behind. Once at the creek, the mother duck jumped in first and waited patiently as ACO Monson placed each baby duck in the water one at a time.

THEN...these crazy little ducks ended up in the Police department parking lot just 5 days later! Due to the quick thinking of another good Samaritan, these little babies and momma have been relocated to somewhere safe, away from downtown.

Thanks to the caring actions of these community members and the call that brought help quickly, this duck family made it safely back where they belong.

We appreciate everyone who looks out for wildlife in our community. Great teamwork and a happy ending for these little ones.