Black Alliance of Thurston County Has Message

Above: Karen Johnson of Olympia is spearheading the Black Alliance of Thurston County.

by Janine Unsoeld

www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Many individuals and community groups are working harder than ever on issues and conversations about race, racism and police issues ever since the Olympia police officer involved shooting of two young African American men on May 21.

An Olympia Police Department shooting review board issued its conclusion earlier this week that no policies had been violated by Officer Ryan Donald during the incident. Olympia Police Chief Ronnie Roberts reviewed the board’s decision and concurred.

The Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office is pursuing assault charges against the men, Andre Thompson and Bryson Chaplin. Subject to change, their pre-trial date is scheduled for November 4.

Along with over 30 other community members, Dr. Karen Johnson, Olympia, spoke out in front of the Olympia city council about the shooting on May 26.

“I was invited to come to that meeting to speak about these issues from my perspective. So, I accepted the invitation. I went to listen to what others had to say and spoke my truth.”

Johnson read the poem, “The Cold Within,” by James Patrick Kinney, and said that she fundamentally believed that she was there to speak because of unconscious bias on the part of Officer Donald. She referred to a book published in 1952 called, “The Invisible Man,” by Ralph Ellison, which talks about the phenomena of not seeing or hearing people of color.

“….We, in this city, have an opportunity…. In the words of a book by Dr. King, ‘Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?’ I would encourage us to go ‘community.’ Build a place where people are heard, valued, and respected, and then it doesn’t matter what the color of our skin and we can really live out the content of our character,” concluded Johnson.

Later, she and a group of African American community leaders formed the Black Alliance of Thurston County. 

The Black Alliance of Thurston County has met with Olympia Police Chief Ronnie Roberts several times since the officer involved shooting and issued a press release on September 2 calling Thurston County Jon Tunheim’s decision to not charge the police officer as “lawful, yet unjust.” 

Drawn by her faith to a life of service, Johnson is also president of the Olympia Capital Centennial Rotary Club, whose vision is to reduce homelessness in Thurston County by 50 percent by 2020 and to put a book in every child’s hand.

The Rotary motto is to put service above self and Johnson lives out that motto. The Rotary group has given substantial financial support to the Family Support Center, SafePlace, South Sound Reading, Madison Elementary School for after school enrichment programs, and more.

For her day job, Johnson is employed as a strategic initiatives executive for Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services.

“Chief Roberts asked me, probably towards the end of July, to set up a meeting with Black leaders of Olympia and Thurston County to discuss plans for holding community conversations about race and racism, more than just within the police department. In that meeting, we also talked about addressing implicit and explicit bias and the use of body and dash cameras,” she said.

“Fundamentally, while body and dash cameras will be helpful to record excessive use of force, cameras alone won’t solve the problem.  Case in point, in July 2015, we watched Eric Garner get beaten to death…and the Staten Island grand jury decided not to indict the officer. Recordings alone won’t stop the behavior. We have to deal with the unconscious bias that automatically and unconsciously results in the merciless beating, unjustifiably shooting and killing of Black and brown boys and men at a higher rate than white boys and men.”

Asked whether or not the Black Alliance is commenting on Officer Donald’s actions, Johnson said the Black Alliance officially informed Chief Roberts that the comment he made after the shooting, that race was not an issue, was not helpful.

“Since our subconscious controls 96% - 98% of our perceptions and our behaviors, and since we live in a country where it was once lawful to enslave, lynch, beat and kill Black men simply because they are Black, we can only wonder whether Officer Donald’s behaviors and perceptions would have been the same if he had encountered two young white males. It is time to have the public dialogue since this behavior has been occurring across the nation,” Johnson explained.

“We’ve had several conversations with Chief Roberts about addressing implicit and explicit bias among the police officers….We envision police officers and community members participating in fair and implicit bias training. We will use the information we learn from these trainings to frame community conversations around unconscious bias, institutional and structural racism and concrete steps police officers can take to systematically ensure that their behavior results in Black and brown people receiving ‘guardian’ instead of ‘warrior’ treatment from police officers, ” said Johnson.

In a May press conference, the Thurston County Prosecutor Attorney Jon Tunheim stated that police officers cannot be prosecuted for excessive use of force under Washington State law when they operate in “good faith and without malice.”

 

In a statement issued on September 2, the Black Alliance called the standard imprecise, immeasurable, and impossible to prove. 

Johnson said the Black Alliance will work to change the state law.

“Now is the time to set precise and provable legal standards when dealing with human life.  It’s time for us to speak up and step up to change this law and other laws, statutes, policies, procedures and practices until it becomes self-evident…to all…that all people are indeed created equal and endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights: the opportunity to live an abundant life, liberty without oppression, and the opportunity to pursue happiness.”

Asked about the internal review process by the Olympia police department, Johnson said, “We plan to question the whole police review process, especially as it relates to deadly force. The recent internal review process led by the Olympia police department basically requires law enforcement officers to sit in judgment of each other.  This does not provide the public with true police accountability.  It is time to change the relevant laws, rules, and civil service procedures governing police conduct.  It is time for independent oversight and review of police conduct in cases where excessive use of force may have occurred.”

Little Hollywood noted that Johnson has not attended any meeting of the city’s Ad Hoc Committee on Policing and Community Relations.

“There are many voices and many groups addressing the issues they see as important. The Ad Hoc group has its charge and we have defined our charge. We will connect with them when it makes sense to do so,” she said.

“Soon, we will hold a community meeting to talk about why we formed, what we are about, what we seek to achieve, and invite others to partner with us to take action and be a catalyst for change. The May 21 incident may have been the catalyst that brought the Black Alliance of Thurston County together…but it is not what keeps us together.

“….Just look at any statistic…educational achievement, suspension and discipline rates, incarceration rates, home ownership, employment, health disparities, board rooms…Black people are either disproportionately, adversely impacted or severely underrepresented or non-existent. So, although all lives do indeed matter, this is a situation that we believe is our responsibility is to change…to be that village that helps Black people achieve optimal excellence and prosperity.

“Now is the time and Thurston County is the place…We’re not doing this work for show, for the press, or for personal ambition. We’re doing this work because our foremothers and forefathers have shed too much blood to get us where we are…We must take up the mantle for this generation and the generations yet unborn,” said Johnson.

As for next steps, Johnson said, “We’ll be meeting with Chief Roberts to discuss the internal review process, to define the parameters of a deadly use of force citizen advisory board, connect with the facilitator who will be conducting the fair and impartial trainings and to schedule our police and community forums around race and racism.”

“It is time for the people of Thurston County to help the Olympia police department achieve its mission: to consistently earn the trust of the residents and visitors to our community. The department will need ongoing investments in training, technology, and solid community partnerships. The Black Alliance of Thurston County stands ready to support them in this important work.”

The Black Alliance of Thurston County is committed to building trust and promoting fair and impartial policing in Thurston County.  They support courageous and respectful conversations between communities and law enforcement about race, ethnicity, and income status.  

For more information about the Black Alliance of Thurston County, email Dr. Karen Johnson at BlackAllianceThurstonCounty@gmail.com

Above: Karen Johnson carries the United States Constitution with her at all times. Here, she is reading the 13^th Amendment.

The Cold Within by James Patrick Kinney

Six humans trapped by happenstance

In bleak and bitter cold.

Each one possessed a stick of wood

Or so the story’s told.

Their dying fire in need of logs

The first man held his back

For of the faces round the fire

He noticed one was black.

The next man looking ‘cross the way

Saw one not of his church

And couldn’t bring himself to give

The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes.

He gave his coat a hitch.

Why should his log be put to use

To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought

Of the wealth he had in store

And how to keep what he had earned

From the lazy shiftless poor.

The black man’s face bespoke revenge

As the fire passed from his sight.

For all he saw in his stick of wood

Was a chance to spite the white.

The last man of this forlorn group

Did nought except for gain.

Giving only to those who gave

Was how he played the game.

Their logs held tight in death’s still hands

Was proof of human sin.

They didn’t die from the cold without

They died from the cold within.

Man with a Gun: A Night in the Life of an Olympia Police Officer

Above: Olympia Police Department Officer Jeff Davis on walking patrol in downtown Olympia last Saturday night.

By Janine Unsoeld

www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

The whistle blows, and the time between 5:00 p.m. into the wee hours in downtown Olympia becomes a time of transition.

If it’s a weekday, people are typically getting off work and going out to eat. On any day of the week, the same crowd or new folks may arrive to go to live shows or the theater.

Later, a different crowd arrives for nightclubbing, music events, and bar hopping. The clientele and the mood shifts, and certain activities escalate. Risk factors go up after 11:00 p.m., often due to excessive alcohol use, and people may do things they ordinarily wouldn’t do.

Six officers work the night patrol in Olympia, one each in the neighborhoods: downtown, northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, and a roving car.

Because of recent events, such as the officer involved shooting of two men on May 21 and subsequent demonstrations, the department brings in five extra officers on Friday and Saturday nights.

Neighboring agencies such as the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department, Tumwater, Lacey, and the Washington State Patrol are available to assist as needed.

Lt. Aaron Jelcick of the Olympia Police Department says that this mutual aid agreement has been needed four to five times in the last four to five weeks.

To learn more about Olympia Police Department activities, Little Hollywood shadowed Olympia police officers Jeff Davis and Kory Pearce on Saturday night, September 12. 

I learned that an evening on patrol can change quickly, from routine smiles and handshakes, to a “hot” call from dispatch: a man with a gun.

A Busy Saturday Evening

Meeting Officer Jeff Davis at the Olympia Police Department, we start our walk around downtown shortly after 7:00 p.m.

Standing 6’3'', and weighing 260 pounds, Officer Davis, 36, lives in Lewis County and has worked for the department for nine years. Previously, he worked for the U.S. Coast Guard for four years conducting law enforcement on the water and has traveled around the world.

With two new officers sworn in last week, Officer Jeff Herbig was promoted to sergeant and Officer Davis replaced him on downtown walking patrol.

Asked how he prepares for work - five days on, four days off – Davis says he appreciates his 45 minute commute to mentally prepare to do the job.

“You never know what’s going to happen….”

Davis has no particular route, but knows where the hot spots are and checks them out. We head for the artesian well on Fourth Avenue.

Greeting many individuals by name all night long, Davis uses a friendly-sounding, random combination of phrases: ‘Hello, how are you, what’s going on? Anything I need to know about?’ In return, they greet him by name, all smiles, and sometimes give him a verbal tip or two about what’s going on.

Folks around the well immediately ask Davis for stickers, but he tells them he worked Olympia High School’s Spaghetti Bowl the night before and gave out all his stickers and glow sticks. They are bummed.

Eleven minutes into our patrol, as we walk past The Pet Works, Davis is approached by a young man who tells him that a man is having a seizure or something on the sidewalk, and points to the area near the corner of Fourth and Adams.

Davis calls it into dispatch, calmly waits for the crossing signals, and then approaches the scene. Onlookers surround a man in his thirties seated on a stool. A woman is standing near him, holding up his head. Davis puts on blue gloves, and speaks softly, asking a series of questions typical for a first responder. 

Two more officers, Officers Hirotaka and Reisher, arrive out of nowhere and stand by.

After a few minutes, the man snaps out of his state. He says he is a veteran with post traumatic stress disorder issues and the woman is his girlfriend. He refuses further assistance and we move on down Fourth Avenue.

Two women are trying to take a selfie with the “I love Olympia” mural as a backdrop and Davis offers to take the picture for them. He does so, and they love it.

We walk down Washington Street, stepping over several inebriated men lying on the sidewalk outside Caffé Vitta. Public inebriation is not a crime, Davis explains, but some businesses are more tolerant than others about people lying in front of their businesses.

Davis speaks with a couple of men sleeping in front of Furniture Works. We stop in the Alano Club on Olympia Avenue and chat with patrons, ask how things are going, and then walk towards Percival Landing.

Walking firmly ahead of me, Davis sees something and approaches two young men in the alley behind Zeigler’s Welding, announces his presence, and asks what they are doing.

“Just passing through!” one man says, and quickly darts off. He never looks back.

“Good answer!” Davis yells after him. Davis speaks to the other man, who gathers up his things and moves along, as do we.

Often, people approach Davis to shake his hand and thank him for being out and about or ask him questions.

The questions vary. Many folks say they are new in town and wonder where the nearest bathroom is located. One young man asked if it was against the law to climb a utility pole. He had witnessed someone doing that earlier.

We encounter an employee of the Olympia Parks and Recreation department near the playground who informs Officer Davis that he just locked the restrooms for the night, and they discuss the fact that the restroom on Sylvester Street near the Oyster House has now been closed for the season due to ongoing drug use and needle issues.

At 8:00 p.m., Davis’ Fitbit vibrates, and he announces that he has just logged 10,000 steps for the day so far, equaling five miles. He says he typically walks 10 – 12 miles a shift. 

We walk over to the blighted, vacant, nine story Capitol Center Building and Officer Davis is now using his flashlight to check the bushes. He finds that there are beds empty and ready.

Vehicle prowls are a problem in downtown Olympia and the police sometimes patrol the darker parking lots, looking for suspicious activity.

Heading back to the station, we walk through a lot of alleys. Davis says he likes foot patrol. 

“You miss a lot in a car, even on a bike….”

Above: In a downtown alley, Olympia Police Department Officer Kory Pearce stands by while Officer Jeff Davis speaks with three men.

After Dark: Walking Patrol in Pairs

Back at the station, we’re ready to go out with Officer Kory Pearce. Pearce, 50, says he is ten days shy of 24 years with the Olympia Police Department. Seated at his desk, he’s doing paperwork. His shift ends at 3:00 a.m.

A traffic officer who works by motorcycle, he’s on duty Saturday night as backup, as is Davis. He’s had a busy week with school back in session and on Monday, he starts a two week basic collision investigation class through the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

A proud father and grandfather, Pearce points out pictures of his family. He lives in Graham, Pierce County, 23 miles away “doorstep to doorstep.” He lived there when he got out of the military and didn’t want to uproot his children from their friends and schools when he started with the department. 

Asked when he will retire, Pearce said, “I’m eligible to retire in three years but I’ll probably do five, unless I have two bad days in a row!” he joked.  “Not everyone can do this job….I’m a dad and a husband - this is what I do for fun,” he laughs. 

At least one tattoo on his arm is visible and reads, “It’s All About Winning” in fancy script.

Pearce says he’s seen a lot of changes in his years as an officer.

“We had a lot of problems (in the past) but not of this magnitude. There weren’t as many services, but there weren’t as many less fortunate, homeless people...we didn’t have as many services for them as we do now, shelter, meals, outreach programs. Community Youth Services was just getting underway….”

When ask I him what he’d like people to know about the police, he said, “Don’t believe what you read or hear….nothing against you, but the media is in the business of sharing stories, and the story people get is this much,” Pearce says, holding his thumb and finger close.

“....Good police service - that’s our goal every day. If I show up disheveled or acting like I don’t care, who are you going to tell? A friend. Then that person tells someone…and that gets spread around.”

Both Davis and Pearce complimented Amy Stull, the police department’s community liaison, and her team of volunteers.

“We could not accomplish what we accomplish without her and her group...data entry, speed traps in school zones, house checks, Lakefair, parades, the Toy Run…you name it….” they said.

It's time to head out bar hopping of a different sort. It’s karaoke night at our first stop, McCoy’s, and as the woman finishes a profanity-laced version of Nicki Minaj’s, “Starships” song, she apologizes for her performance, saying that the cops made her nervous.

“You’re the one who took her picture,” Pearce quips to me as we leave out the back door.

Pearce is an edgy type, and a quick-witted joker. Sometimes it’s hard to tell when he’s joking.

A young man loaded down with a backpack and gear near McMenamin’s approaches Pearce. He says he’s new in town and wonders if there’s a bad part of town that he should stay away from.

With a straight face, Pearce says, “From the Fourth Ave Bridge to Plum.”

“That’s the whole town,” responds the guy.

It took a while for the guy to get the joke. Pearce said to just keep an eye out and he’ll be fine.

Davis and Pearce take turns checking in with bartenders or staff to see if everything is good. At the Eastside, the Fourth Ave Tav, and the Brotherhood, it’s the same: heads turn, some conversation and pool playing stops, and people silently wonder why the police are in the bar. Davis says he sometimes feels like he has a third eye.

“Most people figure something’s going on, that we were called here…they wanna know what the story is....” says Davis.

Across the street from the Brotherhood on Capitol Way, we find a car that has parked directly in the path of an alley, and the officers call it in.

Eugenio, the owner of Trinacria, comes out to greet the officers and they all chat for a few moments.

As we walk from Capitol Way up Fourth Avenue, people sit outside the busy Grandpa’s Ice Cream shop and shout out thanks to the officers for being out and about.

At the corner near Childhood’s End Gallery, a man asks where the nearest convenience store is, and he is directed to Bayview. He walks along with us since we are headed that way also.

Turns out, the man is a member of the U.S.S. Olympia crew, in town for the Foofaraw celebration sponsored by the Thurston Chamber of Commerce. He went on a helicopter ride earlier in the day. Stationed in Hawaii, he says he’s never been to Washington State before but has fallen in love with it in the last few days.

From Bayview Thriftway, we cross Fourth Avenue, cross Fifth Avenue and walk down under the bridge and along the railroad. 

A virtual tent city is underneath the bridge. When I ask about unreported crime and assaults, including sexual assaults, the officers say there's a lot among the homeless, who have their own cliques. The crimes may be unreported due to their warrant status or they may be worried about retaliation.

Above: Under the Fourth Avenue Bridge.

The officers use their flashlights, verbally announce themselves, and rouse residents, informing them that they are trespassing and could get ticketed. No tickets are issued. We walk along the railroad tracks and the officers point out debris, and various hazards, such as open, used needles.

Along Deschutes Parkway, we notice six orange luminarias floating in the sky over Heritage Park.

As we get closer, Pearce jokes that it’s a good thing this isn’t their problem because the park is under the responsibility of the Washington State Patrol. Amazingly dangerous, people are lighting pieces of coal to float flimsy paper lanterns. The officers walk by the participants who seem to be part of a wedding party drifting out from the Waterstreet Café.

Above: Floating a paper luminaria in Heritage Park.

In this suspicious climate against officers, I asked Davis what he would like people to know about the police.

Thinking a moment, he says, “…Everybody thinks we’re not trained, but we are…and I can say there are people in this profession who probably shouldn’t be, just like any other profession, but don’t generalize me into that group. Most of us are out here to make a difference and to help somebody, and that’s ultimately why I got into this profession - to do that. If you happen to catch a bad guy sometimes, that makes it great - the chance to hold somebody accountable for their actions.”

Asked about the possible use of body cameras, both Officers Davis and Pearce were supportive of their use.

Pearce said they’re a double-edged sword with the biggest issue being public disclosure requests.  

That’s about as far as we got when a couple of young men jaywalked across Legion Way right in front of us. They thought they were busted, and when they found out they weren’t, they peppered the officers with several questions about policing.

Davis’ response to my question about body cameras was enthusiastic.

“I would love to see body or dashboard cams…I’m all for them…they’re great! They tell a story – you can literally pop it in and hit play and it sets the tone.” He explained that some kinds of dashboard cams can go back two minutes when an officer “hits” their lights, which is useful in suspected driving while intoxicated stops.

He acknowledged that cameras will catch police officers doing “good stuff and stupid stuff.”

 “….We don’t get to interact too much with normal people – the people who call in are facing an immediate threat or problem, whether they are a victim or a suspect….I know when I do police work, I do a good job at it…and I follow all policies and procedures. I’m not worried….”

At 10:00 p.m., we walk out of Hannah’s, where people are singing karaoke and having a good time. I make the mistake of saying how quiet it is for a Saturday night.

Officer Davis kindly admonishes me and says there are two unwritten rules in law enforcement: one, never say it’s slow, and two, never say it’s quiet, because things can change quickly.

About a half hour later, we respond to a call from dispatch: a man with a gun is at the Emperor’s Palace restaurant on Cooper Point Road. 

Above: The Olympia Police Department's computer screen alerts officers to police activities in progress. 

Hot Call: Man with a Gun

At the Olympia Police Department, we had just parted company with Officer Pearce when the call came in. A man with a gun was at the Emperor's Palace restaurant on Cooper Point Road. A shot had been fired.

Immediately, officers poured out the doors and hopped into police vehicles of all types. Officer Davis and I jumped into a squad car and quickly traveled west through town on Fifth Avenue. I remember seeing the gawking faces of pedestrians as we zoomed by Hannah’s.

I sat in the front seat while Davis drove tight turns through the roundabouts, up Harrison hill, and through the intersection of Harrison and Division, with sirens wailing and lights flashing. We were going 70 miles per hour.

At some point back in the roundabouts, I wondered aloud if all this was really necessary. Officer Davis asked if what was necessary. My question was answered when a car in our lane slowed us down by not getting out of the way.

Davis drove around to the back of Macy’s Furniture Gallery where several police officers were already gathered. Officer Davis jumped out, ran up to the situation and, crouching low, pulled out his gun and aimed it at the suspect while two officers were in the process of handcuffing him. Within seconds, Davis put his gun back in its holster.

After a few moments, Officer Davis came back to the car and explained the situation: A man had become unruly in Emperor’s Palace, pulled out a gun, and shot a round into the air. He fled in the direction of Goodwill and went through the trees toward the back of the Target Plaza store.

Davis drove around to the area near Goodwill and told me not to leave the car. I had no intention of getting out.

Davis picked up a witness to the situation and we drove her back to the scene. Shining the car’s spotlight on the man, she identified him as the man she saw leave the plaza with a gun in his back pocket. Several other witnesses also identified the man and were interviewed.

Later, Officer Pearce, who was also suddenly on the scene, showed me on the car’s computer screen that the call came into dispatch at 22:34, and police were on site at 22:36. All told, ten officers were on the scene, and two supervisors.

For Officer Davis, the night was still young when I left him just after midnight. He didn’t mind me continuing on with him, as he would be on duty until 7:00 a.m., but I had seen enough for one night.

Thinking of all the people and situations we had encountered, I wondered what else would happen that night for Officer Davis. I had a hard time sleeping.

Above: Officer Kory Pearce's flashlight shines upon used hypodermic needles and related drug paraphernalia under the Fourth Avenue Bridge.

Ad Hoc Committee on Policing Meets Again

Above: Not everyone wants to attend a meeting in a government building. While the Ad Hoc Committee on Policing and Community Relations group has expressed a sensitivity to different communication styles and a desire to reach a variety of ages and cultures, the meetings thus far have not captured community interest. 

By Janine Unsoeld

www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

The Ad Hoc Committee on Policing and Community Relations met again Monday night, this time at Olympia City Hall.

Their last meeting was September 9 at the Church of Living Water. About 13 people were in attendance at that meeting.

In order to appear more welcoming, the group paid attention to their physical presence. Without microphones or tables in front of them, members met in a semi-circle.

Only two members of the public were in attendance: Jim Johnson, a man who lives near the location of the police officer involved shooting that occurred on May 21, and Little Hollywood. 

Johnson expressed that he was disappointed with the continued low turnout at Ad Hoc Committee meetings. He also attended the September 9 meeting. He suggested that an Olympia-style potluck was in order to bring the community and conversation together to talk about the Ad Hoc Committee’s goals.

The group continued to discuss the logistics of their first community forum, which will be held on Saturday, October 10. The place and time is still to be determined. 

Committee member Alejandro Rugarcia said that he is not able to make the October 10 forum, and expressed a need to know in advance when future forums might be held.

The group explored several questions to pose to the public in a large plenary gathering. 

The proposed questions for the larger group were:

1.       Share your experiences with the Olympia Police Department;

2.       How can the Olympia Police Department build better understanding and trust with all people?

Proposed small group discussion questions were:

1.       How can the Olympia Police Department more effectively reach out to underrepresented people and groups in the community (ethnic or racial minorities, LGBT, homeless, crime victims, persons arrested or convicted of crimes)?

2.       The vision of the Olympia Police Department is to provide policing services through trust and partnership: a. What does that look like to you? b. How can the Olympia Police Department better meet your expectations for an ideal department?

3.       How can we help community members feel safe when interacting with the Olympia Police? How can we build trust and what are the barriers to trust?

Lt. Aaron Jelcick, an ex-officio member of the Ad Hoc Committee said there’s value in the whole group conversation and was not in favor of breaking up into small groups.

 

Ad-Hoc Committee member Clinton Petty said that the group is ignoring the young members of our community and expressed a strong desire to explore Washington State’s law about the use of excessive force.

“Something has got to be done about changing portions of this law,” said Petty.

Group co-chair Reiko Callner gave an overview of the law and suggested that the community may need a citizen’s law and policy forum about why it is difficult to bring criminal charges against a police officer in Washington State.

Group co-chair Curt Pavola distributed a draft list of who the city needs to engage in the conversation.

The group is expected to report to the Olympia City Council on October 20 with its progress.

The next Ad-Hoc Committee meeting day, time and location was not set. 

Above: Several broken windows at Olympia City Hall will cost at least $10,000 - $15,000 to replace.

Assault and Property Damage to City Hall

On Saturday evening, September 5, around 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., a group of individuals dressed in dark clothing near Percival Landing carried bats and golf clubs. Their faces covered with scarves, they marched through Fourth Avenue.

In an interview last Thursday with Olympia Police Department Lt. Aaron Jelcick, Jelcick said the police diverted traffic around State and Cherry, where a peaceful group was gathered.

The first group grew to about 50-60 people and converged on a man on a motorcycle with a Confederate Flag. The police received numerous 911 calls of the man being beaten and the situation became a riot. The man was taken to St. Peter’s Hospital where he was treated.

No one was arrested. The police are asking for help to identify the suspects, and can call (360) 753-8300 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS with any information.

“As we were responding to the assault, the same group continued on Fourth Avenue to City Hall. We were within a half block (of City Hall) but couldn’t prevent the damage. We used pepper ball guns and other impact weapons to quickly disperse the crowd….A lot of people don’t understand police tactics – we don’t just run into a crowd. It has to be organized…otherwise we put everyone at risk,” said Lt. Jelcick.

The damage to the windows at City Hall, which also houses the Olympia Police Department, is estimated to be between $10,000 - $15,000 dollars, said Lt. Jelcick. 

City manager Steve Hall confirmed tonight that the cost will be at least that much because the windows are not standard, and replacements will need to be custom made.

Above: Broken windows at Olympia City Hall, which also houses the Olympia Police Department, as seen late last week, will take time to replace.

Upcoming Events:

An Olympia Town Hall meeting on policing will be held Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m., Traditions Café, on the corner of 5th and Water Street.

Several organizations involved in policing issues have been invited to participate including the YWCA, Students for Unity & Racial Justice (SURJ), Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), Media Island, Justice Not Jails coalition, Interfaith Works, Cop Watch, and the Ad Hoc Committee on Policing and Community Relations.

Several Ad-Hoc Committee members said they may be in attendance.