Title
Approval of an Ordinance to Amend Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100 Related to the Establishment of a Community Policing Board
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Community Livability & Public Safety Committee recommends approval of the Ordinance to amend Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100 related to the establishment of a Community Policing Board.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve an ordinance to amend Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100 related to establishment of a Community Policing Board.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an ordinance to amend Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100 related to establishment of a Community Policing Board.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
In December 2022, the City Council asked the Social Justice and Equity Commission (Commission) to develop a recommendation for City Council’s consideration on community involvement in law enforcement (COLE). The purpose of the project was to create a system that contributes to an accessible complaint process with minimal barriers to filing; fair, thorough, and objective investigations without bias; strengthened confidence and trust in the Police Department; increased transparency and accountability; improved policies, practices, and training using data; and better public understanding of the Police Department’s role in the community.
In May 2023, the Commission launched a process to develop recommendations in collaboration with a community member work group and Olympia Police Department (OPD) officers. The goal of this work was to ensure that the final recommendations were representative of a diversity of lived experiences, perspectives, and professional expertise, and that they would reflect the community’s values and needs.
On July 9, 2024, the City Council approved the Commission’s recommendations
on how to enhance the City’s current Police Oversight Model. The new model outlines roles and responsibilities for a Civilian Police Auditor (Police Auditor), a Community Policing Board, and the City. Implementing the full set of recommendations required updates to the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) outlining new roles, responsibilities, and qualifications for the Police Auditor, which was completed through Council adoption on December 10, 2024.
Implementing the full set of recommendations also requires updates to the OMC to establish a Community Policing Board. The purpose of this agenda item is for staff to recommend for Council’s consideration updates to OMC Chapter 2.1, Community Member Advisory Board, Commissions and Committees and Article IX, Community Member Representatives for Police Use of Force. The Community Livability & Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the recommended updates at their meeting on February 26, 2025.
Included in this agenda item, staff will provide an update on the overall status of implementing the COLE recommendations, including the process for hiring a new Civilian Police Auditor.
Climate Analysis:
This project is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The process by which the Commission developed their recommendations was a collaborative one that involved a community member work group and representatives from the Olympia Police Department. Subsequently, the final recommendations are representative of a diversity of lived experiences and perspectives and reflect community values on social justice and equity. Included in the recommendations is that the Council strive to, the best of their ability, appoint a new Community Policing Board membership that is diverse in gender, age, profession, and race and ethnicity.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community groups, especially those most impacted by policing, and underrepresented community groups have requested community involvement and oversight in law enforcement. Transitioning from a Community Use of Force Board to a Community Policing Board with an expanded role and membership will contribute to more community members having opportunity to be involved in law enforcement.
Financial Impact:
The 2025 adopted City operating budget includes one full-time staff position funded through Proposition 1 Public Safety funding. The newly added position, a Community Engagement Program Specialist, will serve as the City’s liaison to the Police Auditor and Community Policing Board. OPD will continue to provide additional resources to support initial and ongoing training needs for Board members.
Options:
1. Move to approve an ordinance to amend Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100 related to establishment of a Community Policing Board.
2. Move to approve an ordinance, as amended, to amend Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100 related to establishment of a Community Policing Board. Community Policing Board.
3. Do not move to approve an ordinance to amend Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.100 related to establishment of a Community Policing Board, and direct staff to bring back a revised ordinance for consideration at a future time.
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance
Community Oversight of Law Enforcement Recommendation