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:
Rich Allen, Chief, Olympia Police Department, 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
Rich Allen, Chief, Olympia Police Department
Al Weinnig, Sergeant, Olympia Police Department
Background and Analysis:
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.
During the first half of 2024, data indicates robberies and auto thefts have decreased, while assaults and burglaries have relatively remained unchanged. Data also shows the number of people being contacted by our Crisis Response Unit has steadily increased due to the addition of the downtown, walking CRU members.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear account of human trafficking incidents since those crimes are often unreported. The likely situations where human trafficking would be present in Olympia are in coerced labor/prostitution for a business or individual or the exchange of sexual favors for housing/basic needs/narcotics.
The Olympia Police Department has proactively partnered with Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative, which is an Olympia-based, non-profit organization whose mission is, “…to engage first responders, tribes, and other stakeholders in eliminating human trafficking through solution-based knowledge and trauma-informed strategies, and to empower survivors to heal and build self-sufficient, affirming lives.”
In addition to discussing crime statistics, Chief Allen and Sgt. Weinnig will highlight the work being done to address human trafficking concerns, discuss the partnership with Innovations HTC, and share future plans, including the possibility of revisiting the Olympia Municipal Code to help address massage parlor activity.
Climate Analysis:
The impact of using data to address crime and human trafficking concerns has been assessed through the lens of the Climate Framework’s transportation and land use mitigation sector. It was determined these will not have a negative consequence to the climate.
Equity Analysis:
The department strives to treat everyone with dignity and respect and without bias. Using data to address crime trends helps ensure police resources are used where they are most needed, in a fair and impartial way. Addressing human trafficking concerns will benefit the victims and survivors, while only being a burden to those who victimize and exploit this vulnerable population.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
A Community Work Group of eight community members, representing a cross-section of demographics, expertise, and experiences, led an 18-month effort to understand how Olympia community members experience public safety. One of the five goals of the Reimagining Public Safety process the group recommended, and the City Council formally accepted in December 2022, is to ensure the public safety system is accessible and responsive. This report focuses on two strategies also recommended by the Work Group: 1). Improve the responsiveness of emergency services, and 2). Address conditions or situations that contribute to people feeling unsafe.
Financial Impact:
None
Options:
1. Receive the update.
2. Do not receive the update.
3. Receive the update at another time.
Attachments:
Presentation