Title
Community Representative Briefing of the December 2022 Officer Involved Shooting
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an overview of the Community Use of Force Review Board process, the role of the Community Representative and a briefing from a Community Representative on the officer involved shooting that occurred in December 2022.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an overview of the Community Use of Force Review Board process, the role of the Community Representative and a briefing from a Community Representative on the officer involved shooting that occurred in December 2022.
Staff Contact:
Shelby Parker, Deputy Chief, Olympia Police Department, 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
Shelby Parker, Deputy Chief, Olympia Police Department
Sarah Nagy, Community Representative, Community Use of Force Review Board
Background and Analysis:
On December 29, 2022, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Thurston County Sherrif’s Office Civil Division responded to 7108 Desperado Drive in Tumwater to attempt service of a civil eviction. The occupant of the residence did not respond to the deputies’ attempts to communicate with him at the front door. After multiple attempts to communicate, the front door was forced open. Deputies found the front door was heavily barricaded. Deputies observed the occupant at the top of the stairs. He concealed his hands, yelled at the deputies, and refused to exit the residence. Deputies observed what appeared to be an improvised explosive devise at the rear of the residence. Thurston County Sherrif’s Office Command activated the Thurston County SWAT Team due to the increased risk to public safety.
The Thurston County SWAT Team is a multi-agency team comprised of members from the Thurston County Sherrif’s Office, Olympia Police Department, Tumwater Police Department, Lacey Police Department, Yelm Police Department, Medic One, and Providence Heath. Over two and half hours of crisis negotiations were conducted with the occupant while the SWAT Team was responding and developing tactical plans. The occupant’s behavior was erratic, ranging from yelling in both English and his primary language to laughing out of context.
At approximately 1:26 p.m., the occupant fired multiple rounds directly at SWAT members. SWAT members retreated, and additional resources were deployed. Over the next 8 hours and 16 minutes, the occupant repeatedly fired at SWAT members and SWAT armored vehicles. SWAT members returned fire several times. One Olympia Police Officer returned fire. The officer’s rounds did not strike the occupant. After several hours the occupant surrendered, bringing an end to the 11-hour and 12-minute event.
Per OPD Policy, a Use of Force Review Board was later convened. The board’s composition is dictated by policy and is comprised of the following members: lieutenant in the involved member’s chain of command, training sergeant, patrol sergeant, an officer selected by the involved officer, a sworn peace officer from an outside law enforcement agency, department instructor, and a community member.
The Use of Force Review Board was convened over the course of two days in late October of 2023. The board received a briefing from The Region 3 County Independent Investigation Team and interviewed the involved OPD officer and witness officers. At the conclusion of the two days, the board unanimously concluded the OPD officer’s actions were within department policy and training.
This briefing will provide an overview of the critical incident that occurred in December 2022, review the Department’s internal review process, and explain the community member’s role on the review board.
Climate Analysis:
This topic is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The Use of Force Review Board process is designed to evaluate the officer’s actions to ensure everyone was treated equitably and fairly during a use of force event.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has an expectation of police transparency and accountability.
Financial Impact:
There are no financial impacts related to the briefing.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing.
2. Do not receive the briefing.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Attachments:
None