Title
Approval of a Recommendation of a Draft Ordinance Repealing Olympia Municipal Code 2.38, Police Auditor and Replacing the Chapter with City Council Approved Recommendations from the Social Justice and Equity Commission for the Role of Civilian Police Auditor
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Approve a recommendation of a draft Ordinance repealing Olympia Municipal Code 2.38, Police Auditor and replacing the Chapter with City Council approved recommendations from the Social Justice and Equity Commission for the role of Civilian Police Auditor and direct staff to forward to the City Council for adoption.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a recommendation of a draft Ordinance repealing Olympia Municipal Code 2.38, Police Auditor and replacing the Chapter with City Council approved recommendations from the Social Justice and Equity Commission for the role of Civilian Police Auditor and direct staff to forward to the City Council for adoption.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
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 requires updates to the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) outlining new roles, responsibilities, and qualifications for the Police Auditor. It also requires OPD continue to coordinate in accordance with the recommendations. Finally, staff will propose recommended updates to the OMC to establish a Community Policing Board. This agenda item focuses on the Police Auditor. OMC updates for a Community Policing Board will follow.
The City Council is responsible for hiring the Police Auditor. The purpose of the Police Auditor is to ensure OPD accountability and transparency by: assessing whether Olympia Police Officers interact with the community in a socially just and equitable manner through auditing misconduct complaints and reportable use of force investigations; auditing misconduct complaints and reportable use of force investigation systems; making recommendations for operational, training, or policy changes; and engaging with the community about policing, police oversight, and related community concerns. The Police Auditor is also expected to actively engage with the Community Policing Board.
Staff will present a proposed ordinance which repeals and replaces the existing Chapter 2.38 of the Olympia Municipal code. The proposed code language reflects the COLE recommendations approved by Council. Staff will also provide an update on the overall timeline to recruit, hire, and on-board a Police Auditor as well as a timeline to implement the full set of recommendations.
Climate Analysis:
This project is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Community groups, especially those most impacted by policing, and underrepresented community groups have requested community involvement and oversight in law enforcement. Updating the OMC to reflect the Social Justice and Equity Commission’s recommendation approved by Council advances social justice and equity in Olympia.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Response to the Neighborhood/Community Interests section is answered within the Equity Analysis statement.
Financial Impact:
The 2025 proposed operating budget includes $200,000 in General Professional Services for a contract.
Options:
1. Move to approve a recommendation of a draft Ordinance repealing Olympia Municipal Code 2.38, Police Auditor and replacing the Chapter with City Council approved recommendations from the Social Justice and Equity Commission for the role of Civilian Police Auditor and direct staff to forward to the City Council for adoption.
2. Direct staff to modify the ordinance repealing Olympia Municipal Code 2.38, Police Auditor and Replacing the Chapter with City Council Approved Recommendations from the Social Justice and Equity Commission for the Role of Civilian Police Auditor and forward to the full Council for approval.
3. Direct staff to modify the ordinance repealing Olympia Municipal Code 2.38, Police Auditor and Replacing the Chapter with City Council Approved Recommendations from the Social Justice and Equity Commission for the Role of Civilian Police Auditor and return to a future Community Livability and Public Safety Committee meeting.
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance
Current OMC Chapter 2.38
Community Oversight of Law Enforcement Recommendation