Title
Olympia Sanctuary City Status and Olympia Police Department Briefing
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on the City's Sanctuary City status and Olympia Police Department briefing.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the City's Sanctuary City status and Olympia Police Department briefing.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Manny Bosser, Human Resources Director
Shelby Parker, Police Chief, Olympia Police Department
Keli Drake, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has a long history of adopting policies that support safety, dignity, and inclusion for all members of the community.
In 1985, the Olympia City Council adopted its first Sanctuary City resolution. This resolution expressed the City's desire to be known as a City of Peace, where individuals who are politically persecuted can find safety and sanctuary.
Since that time, the City Council has adopted additional resolutions that expand Olympia's Sanctuary City commitments, including resolutions declaring Olympia to be:
* A sanctuary city regardless of immigration status
* A sanctuary for reproductive health care and abortion services
* A sanctuary for LGBTQIA2S+ people
These resolutions express the community's values and guide how the City approaches services, policies, and programs.
During this briefing, the Human Resources Director will introduce the City's Sanctuary City Policy (Policy 38). This policy was developed through a collaborative process involving City staff, subject-matter experts, and legal review. It provides guidance for City employees about how to apply and uphold the Sanctuary City resolutions in their daily work. The presentation will also highlight how the policy is being implemented and what resources are available to City staff.
The Interim Police Chief will also share how the Olympia Police Department supports the Sanctuary City resolutions thro...
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