Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8g
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
May 24, 2022
DATE: April 8, 2022
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Mark Thomas, Deputy Chief
SUBJECT: Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force Interlocal Agreement
Amount of this request:
$0
Total estimated project cost:
$0
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD) to renew
participation 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, and the Municipalities of Auburn, Bonney Lake,
Buckley, Federal Way, Kent, Lakewood, Puyallup, Tacoma, Tukwila, and the Port of Seattle.
The Task Force’s objective is to provide enhanced and 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
According to a recent report from Washington Association of Sheriff’s and Police Chiefs, auto-
thefts have continued to rise in the State, with an increase of 50% since July of 2021.
Washington State ranked #5 nationally in 2020 for auto thefts. Auto theft in the primary service
area of the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATTF), King and Pierce County, totaled 12,620
in 2021, with 149 occurring within Port of Seattle jurisdiction. From 2020 to 2021 the Port
experienced a 47% increase in auto thefts, mostly from the Rental Car Facility and the Parking
Garage. We know that many of the thefts are committed by the same suspects and criminal
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 2 of 3
Meeting Date: May 24, 2022
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
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: $15,000 annually 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.
*The POSPD will not fill this position until patrol staffing has reached an acceptable level, as
determined by the Chief of Police.
This is the recommended alternative.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 3 of 3
Meeting Date: May 24, 2022
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The cost of the program to the Port of Seattle for 2022 will be $0.
The 2022-2023 salary, overtime and benefits cost for one detective with a begin date of June 1,
2022 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) Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force Interlocal Agreement
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
August 13, 2019 – The Commission authorized Port of Seattle Police Department’s
participation in the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force Interlocal Agreement
