Olympia opens application period for Community Policing Board

Olympia is seeking community members to join its Community Policing Board, a citizen advisory committee that will collaborate with the Civilian Police Auditor to enhance transparency, oversight and public engagement around law enforcement.  

The city is seeking community members to fill three positions on the newly established board. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 11.

Board members will meet quarterly with the Civilian Police Auditor to provide community perspectives on audit findings and recommendations, support policy reviews and help shape the auditor's annual work plan.

They will also assist in developing outreach and educational programs to promote public understanding of Olympia's police oversight system and gather input on community priorities related to public safety. 

When needed, members may be called to serve as community representatives on the Olympia Police Department's Internal Use of Force Review Board or the Capitol Metro Independent Investigations Team (CMIIT) to investigate officer-involved critical incidents.

These roles involve a substantial time commitment—typically between 10-50 hours over a three- to four-month period — and require careful review of complex case materials. According to city records, community members have participated in five such investigations over the past three years. 

Roles as a board member: 

• Collaborate with the Civilian Police Auditor on community engagement about policing, police oversight and related community concerns.  

• Assist the city council with the recruitment and selection of the Civilian Police Auditor. 

• Provide input to the Civilian Police Auditor on an annual work plan, audit reports, and recommendations for updates to OPD policy, training and operations. 

• May serve as community representatives on the Capitol Metro Independent Investigations Team (CMIIT) or the Olympia Police District (OPD) Internal Use of Force Review Board when needed to investigate officer-involved critical incidents. 

Qualities, skills, and abilities: 

• Reputation for integrity and professionalism. 

• Commitment to the need for and responsibilities of law enforcement. 

• Ability to relate and engage effectively with all who have a stake in policing. 

• Appreciation for the City of Olympia's ethnic and socioeconomic diversity and experience working with and valuing the perspectives of diverse groups and individuals. 

• Ability to exercise sound judgement, independence, fairness, impartiality and objectivity in an environment where controversy is common.  

• Must be available to serve on a team that will independently investigate a police use of deadly force event. 

• Must be available to serve during nontraditional working hours. 

• Must be willing and able to attend the Olympia Police Department Community Members' Academy, as well as other training relevant to participation on an investigative team 

Contact Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program specialist, at (360)753-8150 or email at mmorales@ci.olympia.wa.us  for more information.