Title
Community Policing Board Interviews
Recommended Action
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Interview applicants and finalize appointment recommendations for vacant Community Policing Board positions.
Report Issue:
Whether to interview applicants and finalize appointment recommendations for vacant Community Policing Board positions.
Staff Contact:
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist, Organizational Development and Performance, 360.753.8150
Presenter(s):
None, interviews being conducted.
Background and Analysis:
On July 9, 2024 the City Council approved the Social Justice and Equity Commission’s recommendations for community involvement in law enforcement, including creation of a Community Policing Board. On March 4, 2025 the City Council approved updates to the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) section governing the Community Member Representatives for Police Use of Force and establishing the Community Policing Board.
With the establishment of the Community Policing Board, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) offered the current Community Member Police Use of Force Board representatives to transition to the new Board. Four Community Representatives expressed a desire for transitional appointment and to continue to serve on the newly established Board.
In May 2025 staff launched a recruitment process to fill three vacancies on the Board and received 25 applications from interested community members. CLPS selected seven applicants to interview for potential appointment to the Board.
The draft interview schedule is attached, and applicants have been notified. A representative from the current Community Representatives for Police Use of Force was invited to join the CLPS Committee for the interviews.
Climate Analysis:
This is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The board and commission recruitment process is an opportunity to reduce disparities in participation among marginalized communities in City of Olympia process and decisions.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community members serve on Advisory Committees, like the Community Policing Board, to share their opinions and perspectives, study issues, and develop recommendations in a focused small group to provide judicious advice from a community member's perspective to the Olympia City Council.
Financial Impact:
To help defray costs (transportation, childcare, etc.) and lower barriers to participation, members of Council-appointed boards and commissions are eligible for a stipend of $25 per meeting attended. Those who can certify they are low income can receive a stipend of $50 per meeting attended. Members may also choose to waive receipt of the stipend.
Options:
1. Interview applicants and finalize appointment recommendations for vacant Community Policing Board positions.
2. Do not conduct the interviews and direct staff to reschedule another date for the process.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Community Policing Board Interview Schedule