HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety (Committee) - 07/27/2011 i
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KENT
WASHINGTON
CITY OF KENT
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
July 27, 2011
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Les Thomas, Dennis Higgins, and Ron Harmon, Chair
• The meeting was called to order by Chair Harmon at 5:34 PM.
• Les Thomas was absent, Jamie Perry joined the Committee Members from the audience.
1. Recent crime activity — INFO ONLY
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Chair Ron Harmon read a written statement explaining the purpose of calling the Special
Meeting is to update Kent residents on a gang-related shooting that occurred in Kent on
July 23rd. He stated that Chief Thomas will provide an update on the investigation and a
plan to be proactive to ensure this type of activity won't occur again in Kent or the local
area. As an elected official, Chair Harmon stated he feels it's critical to see that city
government provides all residents with current updates and Kent's proactive plan to ensure
a safe community. He stated this is a both a local and regional problem.
Dennis Higgins read a written statement expressing his thanks for the outstanding job on
Saturday by the police officers responding to the incident and that he understands the
detectives are not resting until arrests are made. He thanked Police Chief Thomas-and the
Mayor for keeping the council members briefed over the weekend. D. Higgins stated the
foremost duty is to protect citizens and that enforcement and prevention are both
necessary. He stated that intervention should occur in schools at an early age and that we
should work to prevent kids from wanting to join gangs. D. Higgins stated that while the
incident happened in Kent, it's a regional and national issue and that we need to work in
collaboration with our neighbors.
Chief Thomas stated that he attended a regional meeting of over 70 Law Enforcement
executives which was held at the Criminal Justice Training Center earlier in the day.
Attendees included local valley agencies, King and Pierce counties, federal agencies and
Yakima representatives. The short term plans developed at the meeting include getting the
most dangerous, violent suspects off the street. He stated investigators are making -
significant progress. The immediate plan is to enhance what we already do by putting
certain measures in place starting today including criminal intelligence coordination which
will be centered around the resources of the King County Regional Intelligence Group. He
stated this is not about race; that a contingency of investigative enforcement, including the
Feds, will specifically target the type of crime, the most violent and dangerous offenders.
Chief Thomas stated law enforcement will be getting out in front as best we can by taking
the fight to the criminals.
Chief Thomas stated work will be done with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and
Police Chiefs and legislative representatives on future legislation and grants to combat
gangs. Chief stated the police department continues to provide officers to teach the
G.R.E.A.T. Program (Gang Resistance Education And Training) to fifth grade students in
some of the Kent School District middle schools. The Department also has two School
Resource Officers assigned in middle and high schools.
Th meeting adjourned at 5:55 PM.
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Thompson,
Public Safety Committee Secretary