Item A: Downtown Public Safety Zone

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ATTACHMENT B - Public Comments Received judges who issue these citations. The judges are best equipped to comment about whether this is applied appropriately across the board. Leia Pitcher, Deputy Police Auditor, responded that the Auditor's Office has not received any formal complaints, although they don't collect data in that format. An individual did come into their office who was concerned about accessing the bank. The Police Auditor accompanied the person to the bank. Ms. Pitcher also stated they might defer complaints to the judicial system, since the citations are issued in court. Mr. Walker asked about the where the brochure is required in ordinance. Ms. Berg-Caldwell responded that she'd checked with Jeff Perry, Court Administrator, who checked with the police department and received great assurances that police staff are carrying the brochures and handing them out, although she is concerned about whether this is really happening. Mr. Walker thought the term "advocate" was broader than the scope in this program, and perhaps the Council would want to revise the term to more accurately reflect the actual scope of the program. Mr. Van Steenbergen suggested that rather than changing the term, the concept of what the advocates could do should be expanded to incorporate true advocacy. Mr. Mueller asked Mr. Hauser if he believed the DPSZ would be needed a long time, given the lack of adequate resources for criminal justice, mental health, substance abuse and other social services. He also asked if there is something Mr. Hauser’s organization would be interested in providing. Mr. Hauser responded that his organization provides certified private security in the downtown area. He believes that the DPSZ may not be necessary forever, however April is not a time to remove this important tool, and he'd recommend extending the sunset date. In response to a question from Ms. Miller, Linda Phelps, EPD Staff responded that the brochure is intended to supplement the legal notice to show cause and that distributing the information is required in the ordinance. Mr. Van Steenbergen commented that the previous human rights advocacy program received 100 complaints per year, of which 28% were related to the police department. As a result of those high numbers, a committee was formed that put a measure on the ballot to create a police auditor. The proposal passed the second time on the ballot. After the first effort failed, the committee recommended that a community-based advisory body be formed, which ultimately became the Police Commission. Ms. Miller noted that Claire Syrett was unable to attend, but that she provided written comments which will be provided to the Police Commission. Mr. Valle asked if the Police Department had conducted any outreach about the ordinance to social service agencies or businesses in and around downtown. Lt. Mozan stated he was unaware of any such outreach efforts. Mr. Valle asked what sort of training occurs regarding the Attachment B - Page 7