Title
Olympia Municipal Court Performance Metrics Presentation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
City Manager Recommendation:
Learn and discuss how the Olympia Municipal Court Uses Metrics to make decisions.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss how the Olympia Municipal Court uses metrics to make decisions.
Staff Contact:
Maryam Olson, Court Administrator, 360-709-2783
Presenter(s):
Maryam Olson, Court Administrator
Scott Ahlf, Judge
Background and Analysis:
The Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety was established in September 2020 with the purpose to develop a greater understanding of the current public safety system (policing, courts, jail, etc.) and consider recommendations to Council on policy and budget options that will reduce inequities, eliminate bias, and create a public system that works for all.
In February, the Ad Hoc Committee received a high-level overview of Olympia’s criminal justice system. The presentation described each part of the criminal justice system - Police, Corrections, Prosecution, Public Defense, and Municipal Court. Information was shared on each component’s legal authority, mission, desired outcomes, budget, staffing levels, who they work closely with, areas of discretion, and opportunities to ensure equity.
Over the next four months, the committee will increase their understanding and use of data within the municipal criminal justice system and how it is used to inform policy discussions and decision-making. On June 10, the Court Administrator and the Judge will share with the committee the functions of the Municipal Court including Community Court. The presentation will explain the court process, calendaring, and programs; what data is collected and how data collection can be improved; and how the use of data collection can give information on the fairness and equality of the court process and what the next steps are to make these improvements.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The City is launching a community-wide public engagement process to re-imagine public safety in 2021.
Options:
1. Learn and discuss how the Olympia Municipal Court uses metrics to make decisions.
2. Do not learn and discuss how the Olympia Municipal Court uses metrics to make decisions.
3. Learn and discuss how the Olympia Municipal Court uses metrics to make decisions at another time.
Financial Impact:
There are no financial impacts related to this presentation.
Attachments:
None.