Today during the Tacoma City Council’s Study Session, Police Chief Patti Jackson presented on a new community programming effort.
The Tacoma Public Safety Partnership (TPSP) is an 18-month pilot initiative focused on education, transparency, relationships, and meaningful dialogue between Tacoma community members, Tacoma Police Department leadership, and employee representatives.
“Since becoming Chief of Police, I’ve focused on building better relationships between our agency and the community we serve,” Chief Patti Jackson said. “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.”
The mission of the TPSP is to strengthen community relationships by increasing mutual understanding, promoting transparency, encouraging constructive dialogue, and supporting continuous improvement. In monthly meetings, participants will meet with Tacoma Police leadership and subject matter experts to learn more about the agency’s practices through case study reviews, educational presentations, and open conversation periods between community participants and police leadership.
“The Tacoma Public Safety Partnership will be key to providing the public insight into the Tacoma Police Department,” Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell said. “As I’ve worked with TPD leadership during my time on City Council, I’ve had the chance to learn more about how they handle cases and staffing. The Partnership will allow our community to ask questions and gain the same intimate knowledge into Tacoma’s approach to public safety in addition to providing more transparency and clarity for members of our community.”
Community members interested in serving on the TPSP can apply online at tacoma.gov/TPDcommunity. Chief Patti Jackson is available for media questions and interviews about the TPSP. Contact Public Information Officer Shelbie Boyd to schedule at 253-405-7134 or sboyd@tacoma.gov.