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On July 9, 2024, the Olympia City Council formally and unanimously accepted the Social Justice and Equity Commission's recommendations for enhancing Olympia's current system for community involvement and oversight of policing.
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. Key enhancements include:
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Expanded involvement of community members
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Expanded scope to Civilian Police Auditor reviews
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Enhanced transparency and and accessibility in the reporting of data and findings
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Educating the community about policing and oversight
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Ongoing assessment and refinements over time
The three work groups helping to develop the recommendations represented a diversity of experiences, perspectives, and professional expertise, and reflect community values and needs.
Community work group member Olivia Hickerson remarked during the meeting that, "The recommendations we developed are pivotal steps toward meaningful change, particularly concerning the expansion of the Police Auditor's role." Hickerson also reflected on her participation saying that, "I am grateful for this insightful and rewarding experience, which has broadened our understanding of our police department's policies and history and provided perspectives on how other regions address similar challenges."
The effort seeks to help ensure transparency and accountability, and foster confidence and trust in the Olympia Police Department.
During his remarks Social Justice and Equity Commission member Mark Hodgson noted that the City and Police Department took on this review proactively, "Our City is often a leader in fair, equitable, and compassionate law enforcement practices. But, by bringing forward this recommendation today, we are showing our commitment to reach every person in our city who has experienced discrimination, distrusted law enforcement or was skeptical of the investigative process."
According to Hodgson, "I am proud to say the Olympia Police Department was a dedicated partner in this process. They listened, asked questions, sought common ground and were willing to do what it took to make this recommendation a success."
To implement the recommendations City of Olympia staff will next pursue several code updates; solicit a police auditor to fill expanded duties; and recruit a new position to support the community board, provide public education and facilitate the collection and sharing of police data.
These recommendations and the forthcoming steps toward implementation will also contribute to strategies and actions identified through the Reimagining Public Safety process completed in 2023.
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