Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the Washington State Police for Academy Facility Use
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement between the City of Olympia and Washington State Police (WSP) for academy facility use.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing an interagency agreement between the City of Olympia and Washington State Police for academy facility use.
Staff Contact:
Rich Allen, Police Chief, Olympia Police Department. 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
In emergency situations, officers often must make split-second decisions. Advanced driving courses teach officers how to assess risk, manage stress, and make better decisions while operating emergency vehicles in high-pressure scenarios with various driving hazards, such as traffic, road conditions, and inclement weather.
Proper emergency driving training can lead to long-term savings by reducing vehicle accidents and maintenance costs. Additionally, well-trained officers are less likely to cause accidents that result in expensive legal fees or settlements.
Since the City of Olympia does not own or operate an emergency operator vehicle drive course (EVOC), the Olympia Police Department (OPD) needs to contract with other agencies to use their training facility.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Academy has a nationally recognized 2.7-mile emergency operator vehicle drive course (EVOC) that meets OPD’s training needs. As a result, OPD is interested in establishing an interlocal agreement for the use of their academy facility.
Climate Analysis:
Emergency operator training often involves driving emergency vehicles at high speeds, in various weather conditions, and in simulated emergency situations. This can lead to increased fuel consumption during training sessions, contributing to higher carbon emissions. The use of fossil fuels in these vehicles, especially when used in high-performance simulations, can lead to a temporary rise in the overall environmental footprint of these training exercises.
Equity Analysis:
The impacts of this interagency agreement have been applied through the equity lens of the City’s Equity Framework. The use of WSP’s training facility will help the Olympia Police Department effectively train its members to achieve its mission to respond rapidly to mitigate emergencies. In addition, by fostering equitable training opportunities, the Department creates a more diverse, competent, and effective workforce that is better equipped to respond to emergencies for all community members. The groups impacted by this agreement include community members, police department employees, and the City’s mutual aid partners. This agreement will help accomplish this vital work.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Law enforcement emergency vehicle operator courses (EVOC) are essential for ensuring officers operate vehicles safely during emergencies. Knowing that officers are properly trained to handle emergency vehicles instills greater public trust in law enforcement practices.
Financial Impact:
The financial impact of using an emergency driving training course three times a year at a cost of $840 per day amounts to an annual expense of $2,520. This investment will directly contribute to enhancing the skills and safety of drivers, potentially reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency. While the immediate financial cost is $2,520 annually, this investment can yield long-term savings by mitigating the risk of vehicle damage, insurance claims, and potential liability costs resulting from accidents. Additionally, the training may lead to better driver performance, which could improve productivity and reduce operational downtime, further contributing to cost savings.
Funds for the rental of the driving course are already allocated within the Department’s operating budget. No new funds are required at this time.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Olympia and Washington State Patrol for academy facility use.
2. Do not approve the Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Olympia and Washington State Patrol for academy facility use.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement