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KENT
CITY OF KENT
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
February 14, 2012
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Les Thomas, Dana Ralph, and Bill Boyce, Chair
• The meeting was called to order by Chair Boyce at 4:30 PM.
• Chair Boyce called for changes to the agenda. There were none.
1. Approval of Minutes
D. Ralph moved to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2012 meeting.
The motion was seconded by L. Thomas and passed 3-0.
2. Washington Traffic Safety Commission arant — AUTHORIZE
Chief of Police Ken Thomas explained the funds, if awarded, would provide the Kent Youth
Board an opportunity to tackle the distracted driving problem.
L. Thomas moved to authorize the Kent Police Department to apply for the
Washington Traffic Safety Commission mini-grant in the amount of $500 and
accept the funds, if awarded.
The motion was seconded by D. Ralph and passed 3-0.
3. Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs arant — ACCEPT and Establish
the budget.
Chief Thomas explained the funds will be used to purchase traffic safety equipment.
D. Ralph moved to recommend that City Council accept the Washington
Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs grant in the amount of $11,550 and
establish the budget.
The motion was seconded by L. Thomas and passed 3-0.
4. Amend KCC 9.39 — Towina — Ordinance — ADOPT
Julie Stormes, City Prosecutor, explained the purpose of the code amendment in order to
align with federal and state law changes.
L. Thomas moved to recommend Council adopt Ordinance No. (to be assigned at
a City Council meeting), amending Chapter 9.39 of the Kent City Code, entitled
"Towing".
The motion was seconded by D. Ralph and passed 3-0.
S. Police Department Updates — INFO ONLY
• Chief Thomas introduced Raf Padilla, Commander of Special Investigations.
• Chief stated that recent commissioned police retirements resulted in promotions and
openings for specialty assignments.
• Chief announced that the third Police Community Meeting will be held on February 16th at
the Kent Senior Activity Center from 6:30 to 8 PM. Community members are invited to
attend to meet Kent Police staff, get updates on police related issues and ask questions.
• Commander Padilla spoke about residential burglaries as a regional issue. He stated
police agencies are networking and communicating information which has shown that
burglars from other areas are targeting cities for a day, then targeting a different city.
• Commander Padilla announced the Valley Gang Enforcement Team is now operational.
This is also a regional issue and the team is considering some long-term investigations
that would work to bring down the core of a large gang.
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• Chief stated he's working closely with Representatives Ladenburg and Moscoso on gang
legislation that addresses prevention and intervention. They're working on a grant
program that would require applicants to use proven and effective programs, a
community survey and many other factors in an effort to find the best program for their
situation.
• Chief stated that there continues to be lots of prostitution activity, some of it internet
based. Gangs are forcing young females into prostitution and see this as funding for
their other gang activities.
• Chief is also working with Representative Orwall on legislation to increase the penalties
for patronizing a prostitute. He stated 100% of the increased fees would revert back to
the arresting Jurisdiction to be used for programs to help prostitutes get off the streets,
the formation of John schools and for additional anti-prostitution enforcement.
• Chief strongly recommends that residents call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity.
The meeting adjourned at 5:07 PM.
Jo hompson,
Public Safety Committee Secretary
Public Safety Committee Minutes 2
January 10, 2012