Tacoma residents who work in nonprofits, faith communities or youth organizations have a path to sit across the table from police leadership once a month for the next 18 months, reviewing real case studies and asking questions about how the department operates.
Police Chief Patti Jackson presented the Tacoma Public Safety Partnership to the Tacoma City Council during its Tuesday, Aug. 18, Study Session. The pilot program pairs community participants with TPD leadership and subject matter experts for monthly meetings built around case study reviews, educational presentations and open conversation, according to the city's announcement.
"The TPSP is a chance for community members from various groups – nonprofits, faith communities, youth organizations – to get to know the Tacoma Police Department before they need us in an emergency," Jackson said.
Who can apply
The program targets members of nonprofits, faith-based organizations and youth groups citywide. Applications are available online. The city has not announced a deadline or a cap on how many participants will be accepted.
What the meetings will cover
Each monthly session will include three components: case study reviews showing how TPD handled specific situations, educational presentations from department subject matter experts, and open conversation periods where participants can question police leadership directly.
The stated mission is to increase mutual understanding, promote transparency and support what the department calls "continuous improvement."
Context: Jackson's engagement track record
Jackson, the first woman to serve as Tacoma's permanent police chief, was confirmed unanimously by the City Council on Feb. 3. Mayor Anders Ibsen told KNKX Public Radio in a Feb. 12 interview that Jackson's community engagement was the defining reason he backed her appointment, calling her outreach "sincere" and "consistent" rather than a "checklist."
Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell said in the city's announcement that the partnership will give residents the same intimate knowledge of TPD's approach to public safety that council members gain through their work with department leadership.
What's not yet clear
The city has not said how many seats are available, when the application window closes, when the first meeting will be held or how it will measure the program's success after 18 months. Residents with questions can contact TPD public information officer Shelbie Boyd at 253-405-7134 or [email protected].
