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Mount Rainier officials outline safety plan after crimes near bus terminal
Summary
City leaders, the Mount Rainier Police Department and Metro Transit Police described a coordinated response to crime near the bus terminal, citing arrests, staffing shortages and infrastructure fixes including lighting and patrol changes.
Mayor Mary and Mount Rainier police presented a multi-part safety update Tuesday that focused on persistent problems around the city’s main bus terminal and steps the city and partners are taking to address them.
Acting Patrol Lieutenant Audrey Calloway said the department’s year-to-date figures include "a total of 115 arrests. Out of that a 115 arrests, 42 of those arrests stem from the bus terminal." Calloway also reported 939 traffic stops and itemized incident counts including robberies, stolen autos, shootings and overdoses; she said three of the city’s 17 overdoses occurred at the bus terminal.
City staff described recent, tangible changes at the terminal. Mister Kamali said crews installed two large floodlights and added two solar lights under each of three Metro shelters. Officials discussed environmental-design measures — trimmed trees, new partitions on some benches and additional lighting — intended to reduce loitering and increase visibility.
Police leaders described operational steps as well. The department has increased patrols, offered overtime and coordinated with Metro Transit Police, which Captain Aaron Donald said has run a joint operation at the turnaround that has been "very successful." Lieutenant Daniel Ruffin said detectives recently identified members of crews targeting convenience stores and that investigators arrested a top organizer in September.
Officials warned that staffing shortages limit how long intensive details can be sustained. Chief Austin (present) and other leaders said the department has vacancies and is competing with larger agencies for recruits; the chief said the city must remain competitive to retain officers.
Council members urged more frequent public reporting and suggested holding in-person community meetings so residents can ask questions directly. Mayor Mary and police leaders said they would continue quarterly updates and make time for follow-up briefings when needed.
The council added 10 minutes to the public-safety item during the meeting to continue discussion and directed staff to return with further updates and materials for the public.
