Title
Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. M-2137 by Adding a Third Exemption to the Moratorium on the Use by the Olympia Police Department of Less-Than-Lethal Agents for Crowd Control Purposes During the Period of the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution Amending Resolution No. M-2137 by Adding a Third Exemption to the Moratorium on the Use by the Olympia Police Department of Less-Than-Lethal Agents for Crowd Control Purposes During the Period of the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution amending Resolution No. M-2137 by adding a third exemption to the moratorium on the Olympia Police Department’s use of less-than-lethal agents for crowd control purposes during the period of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Staff Contact:
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.3883
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
On June 16, 2020, the Olympia City Council approved Resolution No. M-2137, which directed the City Manager to impose a moratorium on use by the Olympia Police Department of less-than-lethal agents such as tear gas (CS gas), pepper spray, smoke, mace, or other agents used as less lethal tools by law enforcement for crowd control purposes during the period of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
On July 7, 2020, the Olympia City Council determined a need for a third exemption to the prohibition on use by the Olympia Police Department of less-than-lethal agents to include situations where three or more persons are engaged in criminal mischief resulting in destruction of property or setting fires.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Protecting public peace, health, safety, and welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting the rights of persons to lawfully exercise their rights under the First Amendment and to peacefully assemble and demonstrate in the City of Olympia is in the best interests of Olympia citizens and residents.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution Amending Resolution No. M-2137 by Adding a Third Exemption to the Moratorium on the Use by the Olympia Police Department of Less-Than-Lethal Agents for Crowd Control Purposes During the Period of the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic
2. Direct staff to modify the Resolution.
3. Do not approve the Resolution.
Financial Impact:
None.
Attachments:
Resolution