Title
Public Safety Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a public safety update
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a public safety update
Staff Contact:
Shelby Parker, Interim Police Chief, Olympia Police Department. 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
Shelby Parker, Interim Police Chief (Primary)
Paul Frailey, Police Lieutenant
Background and Analysis:
During this presentation, Interim Police Chief Shelby Parker will provide an update on year-to-date crime statistics, use of the Nisqually jail, the Olympia Police Department’s (OPD’s) response to public demonstrations, the Department’s staffing level, and the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Cameras.
The Olympia Police Department regularly uses data to track and address crime trends in the area. Year-to-date crime statistics are used to compare current activities from previous time periods and to direct enforcement efforts where needed most. Most notable changes in 2024 include decreases in trespasses, auto thefts, robberies, and commercial and residential burglaries. There has, unfortunately, been an increase in felony and misdemeanor assaults. To address this trend, the Department has implemented strategic emphasis patrols to areas that have high numbers of calls for service.
After closing the municipal jail in 2023, OPD contracted with the Nisqually Indian Tribe to provide corrections services. This newer facility has larger holding areas, an outside recreation area, a community garden, onsite medical services and numerous in-person and self-driven programs. With more people in jail, the cost of inmate housing and medical expenses has increased. This year, expenses are expected to increase by 24 percent.
When responding to public demonstrations, OPD’s goals are to protect people and property, de-escalate conflict, and facilitate constitutional rights for all participants. These goals are achieved through planning, communication and coordination. Staffing levels are determined by estimated group size and geographical area. Officers are assigned to monitor and control traffic to prevent vehicles from endangering pedestrians. Additional crowd management officers with specialized training are deployed if conflict is anticipated. De-escalation remains the primary objective, and the Department remains committed to ensuring public safety, upholding constitutional rights and refining its approach to best serve its community.
The Department has 88 commissioned FTEs - one Chief, two Deputy Chiefs, six Lieutenants, 13 Sergeants, and 66 Officers. Of those positions, 14 are currently vacant. In addition, 10 officers are unavailable due to academy/field training, and nine officers are on various forms of leave (FMLA, PFML, Light Duty, Etc.). To ensure community safety and officer wellness, the Department will be reassigning officers from specialty units to the patrol division until staffing stabilizes, which is anticipated to be in early December. In the interim, the Department has implemented hiring incentives and has developed a plan to address community/neighborhood policing needs.
In 2024, the Department was awarded a Department of Commerce grant to support the use of technology in combating auto theft and related crimes, including robbery, organized retail theft, and burglary. OPD selected Flock Safety as the vendor to deploy Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) at strategic locations. Since their implementation in August 2024, ALPRs have directly led to a significant number of arrests for felony property crimes and crimes against persons.
Climate Analysis:
The most immediate and direct environmental impact of these law enforcement activities is the carbon emissions produced by police vehicles. Current vehicles rely on gasoline engines, which emit greenhouse gases. Adding electric vehicles to the Department’s fleet was evaluated last year; however, it was determined that it was not a feasible option at the time. Automated License Plate Readers are either connected to existing power in the traffic light poles or are powered by solar.
Equity Analysis:
The equity impacts of increased law enforcement patrols and responses to public demonstrations are complex. While law enforcement is essential for maintaining public order and safety, it is crucial to consider how its actions may disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The balance between maintaining security and protecting the rights of individuals to protest and express dissent is a delicate one. The Department addresses these equity concerns by ensuring law enforcement practices are fair, transparent, and accountable, and that they do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
Automated License Plate Readers are not Artificial Intelligence (AI). The ALPR system focuses on capturing vehicle characteristics, not driver/occupant information. The technology does not target or capture individual demographics, thus the possibility to search for driver/occupant information in the database is non-existent.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community interests in law enforcement patrols, corrections services, and responses to public demonstrations center around a desire for safety, justice, transparency, and respect for civil liberties. Communities are advocating for balanced, thoughtful approaches that prioritize both law and order and the protection of fundamental rights.
Due to ongoing staffing challenges, the Department will temporarily pause dedicated staffing for Walking Patrol and Neighborhood Policing assignments. The important work these teams provide will continue, but it will be carried out by officers in the Patrol Division.
Community members may notice that response times for non-emergency calls, such as nuisance concerns or quality-of-life issues, may be longer than usual. Emergency response remains our top priority, and we are committed to doing everything possible to maintain strong community partnerships and provide consistent service during this time. Walking CRU will remain staffed and available in downtown
Financial Impact:
All five measures (increased law enforcement patrols, better corrections services, responding to public demonstrations, hiring incentives, and Automated License Plate Readers) will likely involve significant costs related to personnel, equipment, infrastructure, and training. However, there are also potential long-term savings. For example, crime prevention and reduced criminal behavior can lower the overall costs of the criminal justice system. Additionally, well-managed responses to public demonstrations can prevent more costly damage and legal issues.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing
2. Don’t receive the briefing
3. Schedule the briefing for another date.
Attachments:
None