07/05/2024 - Council to Consider Community Oversight of Law Enforcement July 9

Council to Consider Community Oversight of Law Enforcement July 9

The Olympia City Council will consider approval of recommendations to enhance to Olympia's current system for community involvement and oversight of policing at their regular Tuesday, July 9 meeting.

The recommendations come from the Social Justice & Equity Commission. Over the past year, members of the Olympia Social Justice & Equity Commission have collaborated with a community work group and members of the Olympia Police Department to jointly develop the recommendations. The three work groups have been meeting to identify enhancements that are representative of a diversity of experiences, perspectives, and professional expertise, and reflect community values and needs. The Social Justice and Equity Commission also invited the larger community to share their input on the recommendations through a survey in March and April, which further informed the process.

City council members previously received and discussed the proposed changes with the Commission at the June 11 City Council study session.

This effort is intended to help ensure transparency and accountability, and foster confidence and trust in the Olympia Police Department. It also contributes to the strategies and specific actions identified through the Reimagining Public Safety process completed in 2023.

The City Council meeting can be watched live from OlyTV3 and the City website, olympiawa.gov. This item will be open for public comment.

Community members are invited to stay informed of these efforts by signing up to receive Community Safety, Health & Livability e-mail notices at olympiawa.gov/news or by visiting engage.olympiawa.gov/community-oversight-of-law-enforcement.