OLYMPIA - Olympia Police Department’s new foot patrol unit just completed its first month of walking the city’s downtown streets, alleys and sidewalks.
And foot patrol officers say they like the results so far.
Sgt. Amy King, who has been with Olympia Police in several law enforcement capacities over more than 18 years, is heading up the patrol. She explains why she accepted the position.
“I was excited to be a part of this new unit,” King said. “It’s never looked like this before … and that’s exciting to be part of something new and to be able to build that and be a part of that. Instead of being the police department and being on the outskirts of that community, (we are) really being part of that community.”
Olympia voters passed a nearly $3 million a year public safety levy in November. It allows the city to put six officers on foot patrol day and night.
King said the foot patrol is part of Olympia Police Department’s increased focus on community ties.
“The walking patrol, we have radios. We do sometimes get dispatched to calls, but we’re much less tied to that,” King said. “I know our focus is much more tied to being out, being visible in the downtown area specifically, and to talking to people all day every day.”
Officer Javier Sola says he likes meeting and greeting people on the streets the most.
“I love downtown,” Sola said. “I don’t see myself in any other area. I love creating relationships with the people downtown, the businesses. I like to be a familiar face, someone that they can rely on. I believe that perception is reality, so the more they see me out of my car, they see a police officer and I’m friendly and peole can rely on my response, and people perceive that they are safer and that’s their reality, and I live that.”
Sola has worked downtown for his entire six years. He worked the night walking patrol for two years before the foot patrol unit was expanded.
Officer Jordan Reisher, with Olympia Police for four years, shared why he took on the foot patrol job.
“You are around the people that you can help, and I can help them with their problems. That may not be criminal, but then I also get the chance to address the bad guys,” Reisher said.
Much of the foot patrol’s work involves talking to and checking the welfare of homeless people downtown. King said walking officers aim to improve relations with the homeless through interaction.
“That’s part of asking them what they’re in need of, what the situation is, what the story is, and maybe directing them to what would be most helpful,” she said.
5 июл 2018
