Council member Page questions crisis intervention training and community transparency efforts

The Mountlake Terrace City Council Work Session on April 24, 2025, focused on community safety and police training, highlighting the importance of transparency and ongoing education in law enforcement. Council members expressed appreciation for the police department's efforts in maintaining a safe community and reducing complaints.

Council member Page commended the police for their low number of complaints, attributing this success to effective practices. He raised questions about the percentage of time officers spend on crisis intervention training, emphasizing the need for continuous education in this area. The police chief responded that all officers undergo regular training, including crisis intervention, and that this training is part of a broader commitment to ongoing education.

Another significant topic discussed was the need for improved communication between the police department and the community. Council member Page noted that residents are often unaware of the positive initiatives undertaken by the police. The chief acknowledged this concern and mentioned that efforts are underway to enhance community outreach and transparency.

Council member Murray praised the police department for its work, particularly highlighting the Blue Ridge program, which aims to support community needs. She also noted the importance of addressing domestic violence and traffic safety, recognizing the department's focus on these issues.

The discussion included a focus on the tracking of use-of-force incidents among officers. Council members expressed interest in understanding patterns in these incidents to ensure accountability and identify areas for improvement. The police chief confirmed that the department monitors these patterns as part of an early warning system to address any potential issues.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community safety and the police department's dedication to transparency and continuous improvement in training and community relations. The council looks forward to further updates on the police department's initiatives and successes in the coming months.