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At their April 22 meeting, the City of Olympia Social Justice and Equity Commission (SJEC) approved moving forward for Council's consideration a series of recommendations to enhance the City's current system of civilian oversight of policing.
For the past twelve months, members of the Social Justice & Equity Commission have collaborated with a community work group and members of the Olympia Police Department to inform the creation of recommendations to help ensure transparency and accountability, and foster confidence and trust in the Department.
The three work groups have been meeting to develop recommendations 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.
"Enhancing Olympia's civilian oversight system was highlighted as a priority in the Reimagining Public Safety recommendations, and I'm grateful that the Commissioners, community members, and members of our Police Department have demonstrated their commitment to transparency, accountability and equity throughout this process." said City Manager Jay Burney. "The recommendations being presented to City Council help reflect areas that were already working well and areas where we can continue to improve."
The recommendations approved by the Commission are available on the Engage Olympia Community Oversight of Law Enforcement project page.
Following the Council Community Livability and Public Safety Committee review, the full Olympia City Council will further discuss the recommendations as part of their June 11, 2024 Study Session. The City Council will then consider and take formal action on whether or not to accept the recommendations at a future regular business meeting.
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