Title
Briefing on Olympia Municipal Community Court
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the information. Briefing only; no action requested
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing from the Olympia Municipal Court on Community Court. This is a therapeutic court held weekly in conjunction with the Wednesday arraignment calendar to provide a different approach to the legal problems that are resistant to the traditional court solutions.
Staff Contact:
Scott Ahlf, Municipal Court Judge, Court, 360.753.8025
Diane Whaley, Community Court Executive/Public Defense Coordinator, Administrative Services Department, 360.753.8057
Rocio Ferguson, Chief Prosecutor, Prosecutor's Office, 360.753.8043
Monica Schneider, Probation Services Supervisor, Probation, 360.753.8707
Diana Duch, City of Olympia Public Defender, 360.584.9243
Maryam Olson, Court Administrator, Court 360.709.2783
Presenter(s):
Diane Whaley, Community Court Executive/Public Defense Coordinator
Scott Ahlf, Municipal Court Judge
Rocio Ferguson, Chief Prosecutor
Background and Analysis:
Due to the increasing homeless population in the City, a large number of the filings in the court are for quality of life offenses within the downtown core such as criminal trespass, theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana possession, etc. Many of the defendants charged with these crimes often suffer from mental illness/chemical dependency issues. These are repeat offenders who need help to stop committing re-occurring crimes. These individuals need direct access to service providers including housing, chemical dependency, mental health, employment, education, health care/basic needs, family support, transportation, LGBTQ/Victim's Services, and youth services. In the past, resources in Thurston County have been spread out and spread thin.
Community Court provides an opportunity for an immediate link to social services. By pr...
Click here for full text