HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-02 Public Safety MinutesCity of Tukwila
City Council Public Safety Committee
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2017 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall
Councilmembers: Thomas McLeod, Chair; Joe Duffie, De'Sean Quinn
Staff: David Cline, Bruce Linton, Marty Grisham, Victor Masters, Derek Speck, Laurel
Humphrey
Guest: Jerry Thornton, resident
CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair McLeod called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
I. ANNOUNCEMENT
II. BUSINESS AGENDA
A. Police Department Social Media Strategy
Police staff updated the Committee on its strategy to increase its social media presence in order
to effectively engage with the community, increase transparency, and build trust. The Police
Department has found that social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
can help facilitate positive interactions with the community as well as de-escalate the sharing
of false information. Secondary benefits include recruitment and positive promotion of
Tukwila overall. Tukwila PD's social media accounts went live in November 2016 and are
primarily run by one officer. The Committee was presented with examples from the past year,
including the popularity of posts about Apollo the K-9 Officer. Councilmembers expressed
support and appreciation for the increased media presence. Chair McLeod asked about the
initial motivation to do this, and staff responded that departments across the nation are
engaging in similar tactics as part of "21St Century Policing." DISCUSSION ONLY.
B. Fire Department Social Media Strategy
Fire staff notified the Committee that it is working toward improvements on information
sharing with the community, including expanding its social media presence. Based upon the
Police Department's success, Fire intends to manage an official Twitter account which has been
successful in other communities. The Twitter account is intended to connect with the
community, provide timely information, and share more about the department. The account
should be up and running by January 2018, although posting may start earlier. Councilmember
Quinn noted that this will be a good tool to inform the community about its investments in fire
facilities and equipment. DISCUSSION ONLY.
III. MISCELLANEOUS
Adjourned 6:18 p.m.
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by LH