LET’S TALK ABOUT: PUBLIC SAFETY!
Milwaukie has oversight of local law enforcement through the Milwaukie Police Department but other forms of public safety are in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions like Clackamas Fire and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. When residents are experiencing legal barriers to housing, employment, or family reunification the partnership includes the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office or the Oregon Judicial Department.
These systems can be confusing for residents experiencing a crisis or who have a distrust of government. This means there’s an added responsibility for our systems of public safety to coordinate with each other, communicate best practices and support referrals to providers for mental health, addictions, health/wellness needs, or safety of children/family members.
Some Ideas I’m Excited About:
Training:
Continue community dialogue around relationship with residents and law enforcement to inform training and policy.
Develop crisis response teams in partnership with County programs and non profits to respond in acute crisis with mental health first aid, de-escalation, and social service resource/referrals.
Community Policing:
Perform analysis of traffic stop data with geographic overlays to determine if hot spots intersect with marginalized communities.
Work with local public buildings to develop common practice and appeal for exclusions for non-injury behaviors.
Emergency Preparedness:
Connect neighborhoods with Community Emergency Response Teams to develop hyper-local preparedness plans.
Develop educational material for residents on emergency supplies and food/water amounts to have on hand.
Policy:
Advocate for laws that allow expungement and removal of low level offenses without cost.