Tumwater police present 2024 performance data, highlight low-level uses of force and staffing priorities

Tumwater Police Chief Mason presented the department’s Police Strategic Growth Plan and a review of 2024 performance data at the Public Health and Safety Committee meeting on June 10, describing activity levels, staffing, training and several planned programs for 2025.

The presentation summarized core numbers for 2024 and outlined near-term priorities. “Calls for service for 2024 was 19,270,” Deputy Chief Keelas said during the meeting. The department reported 628 total arrests for the year and 49 separate instances involving use of force, which the department said covered 52 individuals because three incidents involved multiple subjects.

The nut graf — why this matters: the department used the report to show how officers spent time in the community, to account for use-of-force and pursuits, and to identify staffing and technology investments that officials say are needed to meet service demands.

Key findings and context

- Staffing and hiring: Chief Mason said the department has 37 commissioned positions, two limited-commission positions and seven noncommissioned staff. In 2024 the department hired six new employees and completed 12 hiring processes; three people left (two for medical reasons and one by retirement). Detective Lieutenant Kolb described the applicant pipeline: 89 applicants went through oral boards last year, 18 backgrounds were opened and six hires resulted from the 2024 process.

- Calls and…