Title
2020 Demonstration and Crowd Control Review
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the 2020 Demonstration and Crowd Control Review.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the 2020 Demonstration and Crowd Control Review.
Staff Contact:
Rich Allen, Interim Chief, Olympia Police Department, 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
Rich Allen, Interim Chief, Olympia Police Department
Background and Analysis:
In 2020, more than 70 demonstrations occurred in Olympia, Washington, several of which resulted in injuries to community members and police officers, significant property damage, and widespread disturbances to the community’s sense of public safety and security. In order to learn from those events and ensure that the Olympia Police Department (OPD) follows best practices for public demonstrations and crowd management, the City of Olympia commissioned a comprehensive review.
While the review found that OPD’s event responses were within its existing policies, the study identified several ways in which the Department could improve. Staff will provide an update on what the Department is doing to address recommendations identified in the review.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has an expectation that the Olympia Police Department’s response to public demonstrations is consistent with best practices, unbiased, and maximizes public safety while protecting community members’ First Amendment rights.
Options:
1. Receive the report.
2. Do not receive the report.
3. Receive the report at another time
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact related to providing the presentation.
Attachments:
2020 Demonstration Review Report