Public Safety & Law Enforcement

What type of feedback do you have for our public safety officers?  What are they doing well and what can they improve?

Background Information and Key Issues:
Recent events have sparked a national discussion about law enforcement policies and procedures. In order to better understand the role of law enforcement in Port Townsend and the community’s expectations, the City Council formed an ad hoc committee on public safety in June 2020. This committee consists of all seven members of the Council who are examining public safety best practices and who will make recommendations for improvements. The current workplan includes briefings on current local information and trends as well as a focus on particular issues like alternatives to police response,
de-escalation, qualified immunity, and use of force. 

The City is seeking your input to better understand community concerns and desires.

Objectives/Desired Outcome(s):
Community-informed dialogue and policy decisions around policing to better protect public safety and preserve the dignity, fairness, and well-being of all our residents.

Fiscal Considerations: 
The Port Townsend Police Department is funded mainly through the General Fund as the largest percentage of General Fund spending approximately $3.8 million or 34%.  In addition, 7% of utility tax revenue is allocated to Police. 

Outcome:
The Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement finished its work on January 25, 2021, when it forwarded its final report to the City Council.  The City Council approved the final report on February 16, 2021.