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 th...
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