Title
Operating Budget Challenges - Criminal Division's Vital Needs
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the information. Briefing and Discussion.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the Criminal Division's vital operating needs.
Staff Contact:
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Rocio Ferguson, Chief Prosecutor, 360.763.8449
Presenter(s):
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Background and Analysis:
The Criminal Division consists of two prosecutors (Chief Prosecutor, Rocio Ferguson, and Assistant Prosecutor II, Tye Graham), a paralegal, a coordinator for domestic violence victims, and intern support staff. The prosecutors must cover numerous court calendars throughout the prosecution of criminal defendants. Each prosecutor has earned vacation and sick leave, which results in only one prosecutor available to handle the Criminal Division's case load. Recent developments within the last two years have challenged the division's ability to meet its duties. These challenges are:
1. Felony Level Cases Referred to Municipal Court. There has been a significant increase in felony level cases being sent to Olympia Municipal Court. Felony cases are usually filed and prosecuted by the Office of the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney. The City was notified by the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office that prosecution of certain lower level felony crimes will be declined and that the Criminal Division will have to charge and pursue such crimes as misdemeanors in Olympia Municipal Court. The Criminal Division expects the number of declines by the county prosecutor to increase. As these crimes are more serious, the Criminal Division is negatively impacted as such crimes are entitled to vigorous prosecution which takes more time and process to achieve justice for crime victims. It is expected these numbers will continue to increase.
2. Community Court. In 2016, the Cr...
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