Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
6c
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
August 13, 2019
DATE: July 12, 2019
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Rodney Covey, Chief of Police
Michael Villa, Deputy Chief
SUBJECT: Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force Interlocal Agreement
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD) to
participate in the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task-Force (PSATTF).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This request allows POSPD participation in the amended and restated interlocal cooperative
agreement that establishes and maintains a multi-jurisdictional team to effectively investigate
and enforce the laws relating to auto theft. The parties to this Agreement are the Washington
State Patrol, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, King County Prosecutor’s Office, and the
Municipalities of Auburn, Bonney Lake, Federal Way, Lakewood, Tacoma, Tukwila, and the Port
of Seattle.
This Agreement is intended to replace previously executed interlocal agreements that were
established for the ACE and P.A.T.R.O.L. Auto Theft Task Forces. The Task Force’s objective is to
provide enhanced and more efficient use of personnel, equipment, budgeted funds, and
training to investigate and aid in the prosecution of prolific or organized auto theft crimes.
The WAPTA grant will fully fund the salary and benefits of the detective assigned to the task
force.
JUSTIFICATION
Washington State ranked #4 nationally in 2017 for auto thefts. Auto theft in the primary service
area of the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATTF), King and Pierce County, declined 13%
from 2016 to 2017. However, auto theft increased by 38% on Port property during the same
time frame. From 2017 to 2018 we experienced a 54% increase in auto thefts. There were 164
motor vehicle thefts in 2018 from our properties, mostly from the Rental Car Facility and the
Parking Garage. We know that many of the thefts are committed by the same suspects and
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 6c Page 2 of 3
Meeting Date: August 13, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
criminal organizations. The PSATTF has the experience and resources to target these groups
and has done so successfully in the past.
DETAILS
The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional team dedicated to investigating
and enforcing laws related to auto theft. The task force is funded each year by a grant from the
Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority which was signed into law by Governor Gregoire
in 2007. The PSATTF objective is to provide enhanced and more efficient use of personnel,
equipment, budgeted funds, and training to investigate and aid in the prosecution of prolific or
organized auto theft crimes. Activities include conducting auto theft emphasis in targeted
areas, coordinating statewide law enforcement training, investigating auto theft rings and
ongoing crime prevention through public service awareness campaigns.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1 – Do not sign the interlocal agreement and do not participate on the Puget Sound
Auto Theft Task-Force.
Cost Implications: A savings of $36,000 for 2019 and 2020
Pros:
(1) Nothing gained other than a small cost savings
Cons:
(1) Loss of the resource of the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force
(2) Increased demand on current POSPD resources
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Sign the interlocal agreement and participate on the task force.
Cost Implications: $21,000 in 2019 and $15,000 annually thereafter for non-reimbursed
expenditures. No additional funds are being requested.
Pros:
(1) Leverage resources to reduce auto theft on Port properties
(2) WATPA grant reimburses benefits and salaries
(3) WATPA grant provides work station and overhead costs
Cons:
(1) Small annual cost to keep a detective assigned to the task force
This is the recommended alternative.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The cost of the program to the Port of Seattle for 2019 and 2020 will be approximately $36,000.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 6c Page 3 of 3
Meeting Date: August 13, 2019
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
The 2019 and 2020 salary, overtime and benefits cost for one detective with a begin date of
June 1, 2019 is approximately $298,550. Non-payroll expenses for both years are estimated at
$36,000. Total cost is forecasted as $334,550.
Payroll expenses will be reimbursed from the WATPA grant.
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary
Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate
$0
$334,550
$334,550
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
0
$334,550
$334,550
Current request for authorization
0
0
0
Total authorizations, including this request
0
$334,550
$334,550
Remaining amount to be authorized
$0
$0
$0
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
Source of funds is authorized from the general fund and WATPA grant with authorization of the
interlocal agreement.
Future Revenues and Expenses (Total cost of ownership)
Ongoing net annual cost of approximately $15,000 as long as a detective is assigned to the task
force and salaries are reimbursed through the WATPA grant.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) Draft of interlocal agreement
(2) Executed FTE request document
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None
