PRESS RELEASE - City Police Department Annual Awards and State of the Department

PTPD reports on the State of the Department and recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to the City and the community.

PORT TOWNSEND – The Annual Port Townsend Police Department (PTPD) Awards banquet was held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, recognizing the outstanding work of officers, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Chief Thomas Olson stated, “We have worked very hard all year with low staffing and training numerous new officers. We were still able to have an impact on crime and the fear of crime, key components of our mission. This was evident in the 2023 crime data, provided in our State of the Department Report to Council in February.” He continued, “Our team works very hard 24/7 and it is important to recognize their dedication to their work and the community. Annual awards like these are just one way to do that. We also like to recognize a community partner who works alongside us, making our job just a little bit easier. Believe in Recovery was this year’s awardee in that category. From helping with camp clean ups, to getting hotel rooms and treatment referrals, to providing transportation, to leading the LEED program, they make a huge impact on community safety.”

The Police Department Annual Awards for 2023 include:

• The Community Partner of the Year award was given to Believe in Recovery for their 24-7 response team's reliability, helpfulness, and impact on community safety.
• John Ebner was named Volunteer of the Year for his consistent and dedicated service in providing fingerprinting services to the department and the community.
• Brian Kalscheuer received the Civilian of the Year award for his exceptional management of nearly 50 special events in the city, his willingness to assist in any way, and his key role in ensuring the events are organized and administered safely.
• Trevor Hansen was awarded Commissioned Patrol Partner of the Year for his mentorship, reliable and a steady presence on patrol, working many additional hours to help his co-workers, and using a sense of humor to help de-escalate.
• Kamal Sharif was recognized as both the Commissioned Employee of the Year and the Commissioned Officer of the Year for his continuous dedication to the department, his leadership in organizing community events and programs, and his exemplary performance as a supervisor.

Every officer at the PTPD plays a vital role in community safety and filling open positions in the department was a major goal for the year. In 2023 there were five commissioned officer hires and the hiring of Deputy Chief Jeff Thaxton. Currently, the department has thirteen patrol officers with three in training, and three open positions.

The philosophy of the department centers on community policing. Data on where crime and vehicle accidents occur allows officers to increase their visibility in those areas, resulting in lower rates of crime and collisions, as shown in The State of the Department annual report.

Highlights from the 2023 State of the Department include:

• Implementation of recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee on Law Enforcement and Public Safety: The committee made eleven recommendations, and all have been addressed including the establishment of a Chief's Advisory Board as part of the Strategic Plan for 2024.
• Increase in traffic stops and enforcement: The number of traffic stops in 2023 increased by 40% compared to 2022, with 148 issued tickets, 21 DUI arrests, and 22 criminal traffic cases. This is a result of the increased capacity of the department.
• Decrease in reportable collisions: The total reportable collisions in the city decreased by 25% in 2023 compared to 2022, with a total of 82 collisions.
•Increase in calls for service with an overall reduction in crime: The number of calls for service in 2023 increased by 17% compared to 2022, with an average of 23.3 calls per day. Burglary, motor-vehicle theft, and vandalism all decreased significantly.

Read the full State of the Department Report.

Listen to Chief Thomas Olson and City Manager John Mauro talk about the PTPD on KPTZ’s Brewocracy Now! podcast on March 14, 2024. 

Police Department Mission Statement.
To work in partnership with our community to provide a safe and compassionate environment while reducing crime and the fear of crime.

Police Department Vision Statement
To work in partnership to improve our community while recognizing the dedication and service of our employees.