HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-037 Establishing a Council Ad Hoc Council Committee on Public Safety Resolution 20-037
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RESOLUTION NO. 20-037
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON ESTABLISHING AN AD HOC COUNCIL COMMITTEE TO STUDY
AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICES AND POLICY FOR
PUBLIC SAFETY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
WHEREAS, recent events have sparked a national discussion about law enforcement
policies and procedures; and
WHEREAS, nationwide health and human services budget cuts have resulted in law
enforcement responding to more and more non-criminal complaints; and
WHEREAS, the "militarization" of many law enforcement departments combined with
institutional racism has led, nationwide, to the shootings of unarmed persons, particularly members
of the black, indigenous, and people of color communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend Police Department is ahead of the nationwide
trend in adopting de-escalation training, comprehensive report writing, and use of force continuum
policies and procedures, for example, the Port Townsend Police Department employs a full-time
social worker and a full-time community service officer who respond to non-criminal calls, and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend and its police department welcome suggestions
and research into the best practices for public safety and policing; and
WHEREAS, the City and all its staff welcome feedback and suggestions for increasing
racial justice and fighting discrimination in all City services;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend that:
1. The City Council hereby establishes an ad hoc committee to study best practices and
make recommendations concerning public safety and law enforcement policy, procedures, and
budgets.
2. The committee will first determine its work plan and goals and will submit those to the
full City Council for approval.
3. The committee will complete its work December 31, 2020 and cease meeting but may
request an extension from the full City Council.
Resolution 20-037
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ADOPTED by the City Council of Port Townsend, Washington, at a special meeting
thereof, held this 29th day of June 2020.
liclielle Sandoval
Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
Joanna aclers,MMC eicl� (free��Nv()o
City Clerk City Attorney