CSS 2025-02-10 Item 1E - Grant Contract - WA Organized Retail Crime Association Grant

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City of Tukwila ThomasMcLeod, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO:Community Services and Safety Committee FROM:Deputy Chief Eric Lund BY:Phi Huynh, Executive Administrator CC:ThomasMcLeod DATE:February 4, 2025 SUBJECT:Washington Organized Retail Crime Association(WAORCA)Grant Contract ISSUE The Tukwila Police Department ispresenting the approved-grant contract with WAORCA as information only. . BACKGROUND It is estimated that organized retail crimesuspects cause upwards of $3 billion dollars statewide in retail industry merchandise losses each year. The Washington State Department of Commerce is funding this pilot program for $950,000 through WAORCA. There are threepilot programs throughout the state. Two are on the west side of the Cascade Mountains, and the other is on the east side of the state. prosecutors specific to organized retail crime. The remainder of the funding, approximately $90,000 will be shared between threepolice agencies in King County. DISCUSSION The purpose of the WAORCA grant is to provide funding for local law enforcement agencies, specificallythe City of Tukwila Police Department, to conduct overtime organized retail theft emphasis, as part of the King County Organized Retail Theft pilot program. FINANCIAL IMPACT WAORCA has awarded $283,333.33 to the King County Pilot Program Area,with $90,000 budgeted for the purpose of funding law enforcement to the goal of coordinating effective responses to organized retail crime. The Tukwila Police Departmenthas been awarded part of the grant, andcan seek reimbursement for straight time or overtime for approved law enforcement activity expenses incurred as a participant in the King County Pilot Program Area grant project. RECOMMENDATION Information only. ATTACHMENTS WAORCA/Tukwila Police Department Grant Contract 143