City of Olympia, WA

09/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/15/2025 16:13

09/15/2025 - Community Oversight of Law Enforcment Open House Oct. 16

Meet the People Serving in Olympia's Community Oversight Programs on Oct. 16
Join us for a fall launch of the City's updated Community Oversight of Law Enforcement programs. Learn about the expanded role of the Civilian Police Auditor and the newly formed Community Policing Board, then join a community conversation.

Community Oversight of Law Enforcement Open House
Thursday, October 16, 2025
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Council Chambers, Olympia City Hall
601 4th Avenue East, Olympia WA

Join the City's Civilian Police Auditor, OIR Group, and newly established Community Policing Board for a kick-off gathering as they embark upon their service to the Olympia community. Presenters from each will share a brief overview of their role within the City's expanded oversight system. Then, join in open discussions to explore future community engagement and education initiatives for these programs. It's your chance to meet and exchange ideas with the people being entrusted to help advance the City's community-led vision of public safety.

Caregivers are welcome to bring children. If you would benefit from an accessibility accommodation, if possible, please contact us at least five days in advance of the meeting.

Background

On July 9, 2024, the Olympia City Council formally and unanimously accepted the Social Justice and Equity Commission's recommendations for enhancing Olympia's system for community involvement and oversight of policing. The recommendations furthered the work of an earlier Reimagining Public Safety community process; and included the establishment of a Community Policing Board and expansions to the existing Civilian Police Auditor's role.

In March of this year, the Council approved updates to the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 2.100 replacing the Community Representatives for Police Use of Force Events with the Community Policing Board, broadening responsibilities of the representatives. In May, the City launched a recruitment process for the board. In August, the Council Community Livability and Public Safety Committee conducted interviews of prospective board members. On September 30, 2025, the full City Council will consider committee appointment recommendations.

In May of this year, the Council unanimously voted to hire OIR Group as the City's new civilian police audit review team. Their duties include responsibilities beyond the role of the previous police auditor. OIR Group will review and make recommendations on Olympia Police Department policies and trainings; review complaints, uses of force incidents, internal investigations and crowd management plans; engage with the Community Policing Board; provide audit reports to the Council; and listen and report back to the Olympia community.
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Stay informed of future related efforts by signing up to receive Community Safety, Health & Livability e-mail notices at olympiawa.gov/news.
Contact
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist
Office of Organizational Development and Performance
360.753.8150
[email protected]
City of Olympia, WA published this content on September 15, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 15, 2025 at 22:13 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]