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Commissioners press staff for crime, DUI and calls-for-service data after cannabis update
Summary
Several commissioners asked staff to provide or coordinate police data (crime, DUIs, domestic violence, traffic stops) for areas near planned cannabis storefronts; staff said the police keep calls-for-service logs but some requests may be outside the BEC's advisory scope and should be forwarded to City Council.
Commissioner Miles Ward and Commissioner Lagner both asked whether the police department or staff had analyzed whether cannabis storefronts were associated with increases in crime, DUIs or other calls for service. "Not that I'm aware of but we'd need to check with the police department," Miranda Evans said, noting security plans require close coordination with the police and that operators must include security measures such as on-site camera feeds.
Assistant City Attorney Susan Wilson cautioned that the Budget Engagement Commission's role is advisory on spending and policy priorities under the municipal code and that requests that reach beyond the commission's advisory role may need to be directed to City Council. "If you want applications granted, tracking crime statistics, asking staff to gather all of this information, that really doesn't fall within your purpose and function under RMC 2.90020," Wilson said, and suggested commissioners send related requests or comments to the City Council to expand scope if desired.
