Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang presented a public safety report at the Nov. 20 National Means City Council meeting, outlining crime statistics, current department priorities, and staffing.
According to Hwang, violent crime is generally on the decline. The main causes of this decline are the ongoing issues with drugs and changes to police regulations.
“We’re in a drug crisis, to begin with. Fentanyl is highly potent,” said Hwang. “In our society, we have people who are dying on a regular basis.”
The decline in drug overdoses and drug usage will lead to safer communities. Hwang pointed out that people in the area don’t feel safe due to the erratic behavior associated with drug use.
Hwang also mentioned that recent changes in laws, particularly achievement laws and laws related to questioning juveniles, are impacting his department. Achievement laws have been a hot topic at town council meetings and have been discussed by community members, council members, the governor, and others in relation to auto theft. Hwang emphasized that stolen cars are often used in the commission of other crimes.
Under current regulations, minors cannot be questioned or searched without a lawyer present. Hwang argued that this should be changed to allow parents, guardians, or even children themselves to consent to such actions. He cited instances of serious crimes committed by minors in Federal Way, including a recent series of purse snatchings where the suspects were just 13 and 14 years old when apprehended.
Hwang emphasized that the level of violence has increased, affecting many people, especially those who can least afford to have their cars stolen. After the implementation of the “zero do” law, the number of auto thefts increased significantly, nearly doubling.
Regarding staffing, Hwang mentioned that progress is slow but steady. He predicted that they would have 25 to 30 graduates from the police academy by 2024. However, it takes time for these recruits to complete their training and join the force.
During the discussion of crime, community members, including Melissa Hamilton, shared personal stories illustrating the impact of these issues on their lives. Hamilton mentioned a tragic incident in her church where a young man was killed while attempting to recover his stolen car. Craig Patrick highlighted the challenges faced by Federal Way in operating within the constraints of state legislation, emphasizing that they can only be as effective as Washington State allows them to be.
Later in the council meeting, there was a plea for emergency funds following a break-in at the Steel Lake repair yard, which brought attention to issues related to property crime and quest laws. E. J. Walsh, director of public works, provided an overview of the incident and the significant financial loss. Mayor Jim Ferrell expressed frustration over the limitations imposed by state laws that prevented the police from pursuing the suspects, resulting in the loss of $213,000.
Financial Literacy Program
Representatives from El Centro de la Raza requested funding under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for a financial literacy program.
They highlighted their track record of providing high-quality financial education services for many years. The program is available to all residents and is offered in both English and Spanish. They mentioned being conservative with the resources they receive because of the significant demand for their services.
The representatives explained that their financial literacy program includes group workshops, personalized one-on-one sessions, and lending circles. Participants learn about individual budgeting, savings, debts, and credit management through these workshops. During one-on-one coaching sessions, participants receive a comprehensive evaluation of their credit history along with recommendations and best practices to improve or build credit.
They requested funding from the City Council to continue and expand their successful financial education programs.
A community member, Gordon Wallace, shared his positive experience with the city’s recent financial education program at the Federal Way Community Center. He mentioned that after just nine weeks of classes, he and his family were able to save money and pay off debts, which improved their financial situation and ability to contribute to the community.
Wallace highlighted the importance of breaking the cycle of debt and keeping money within the local economy. He emphasized how participants in the program could now consider funding requests for various city initiatives and contribute to the community’s well-being.
After a lengthy discussion about ARPA funds, the council ultimately passed an ordinance allocating $325,000 for facility maintenance and safety for businesses, with the remaining $355,000 distributed among Fusion, Casa Latina, YWCA, and the state’s Financial Literacy Workshop in four different ways.