Item No. 6c attach 2
Meeting Date:  August 13, 2019

PORT OF SEATTLE
MEMORANDUM

DATE:     04/22/2019
TO:        Stephen Metruck, Executive Director

FROM:    Rod Covey, Chief of Police
SUBJECT:  New FTE Request  Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force Detective

BACKGROUND:

Participate in the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force by contributing a full-time detective to the
team beginning June 1, 2019.

JUSTIFICATION:

Washington State ranked #4 nationally in 2017for 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
criminal organizations. The PSATTF has the experience and resources to target these groups and
has done so successfully in the past.

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.

The agencies currently participating in the task force 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 and Tukwila. The Port of Seattle Police
Department would like to join the task force with the objective of reducing auto thefts on our
properties and regionally.

Auto Theft Task Force Proposal                                                           Page 1

The PSATTF presently has two vacancies for which we are invited to compete once we become
signers on the Interlocal Cooperative Agreement. The expectation is that the detective remains
on the task force for a minimum of three years. We would plan on keeping a detective on the

team as long as the task force is funded and it is operationally beneficial to do so.

ALTERNATIVES:

1)  Do not join the PSATTF and continue to investigate auto thefts with current resources.

2)  Fill both current vacancies on the PSATTF with one sergeant and one detective. This is not
recommended at this time due to the need of providing two vehicles as well as the time to
backfill.

BUDGET REQUEST:

The WATPA grant reimburses salaries and benefits, pays for equipment, training and associated

expenses. The Port of Seattle would need to provide a vehicle for the detective.

The cost breakdowns for the new position in the first two years are as follows:

Payroll                                                   Total                                                   Non-Payroll = Total Cost    Charge to
Expense     Expense                   Capital      O&M
Expense
Year 1 (2019)            $108,000     $21,000       $129,000        $0       $129,000

Year 2 (2020)            $190,550     $15,000       $205,550        $0       $205,550


The 2019 salary, overtime and benefits beginning June 1 for one detective is approximately
$135,000. First year non-payroll expenses include the cost for a new officer's protective
equipment, uniforms, training and firearms at $15,000 as wellas leasing a detective vehicle for
$6,000. We would select an officer from our current staff and backfill with a newhire.
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The 2020 payroll expense is inflated by 3% for the detective. Ongoing department supplies and
vehicle lease is approximately $15,000. Cost for one detective for 2020 is $205,550.

Payroll expenses will be reimbursed from the WATPA grant.

The Port of Seattle non-reimbursed expenditures equal $27,000 in 2019 and ongoing non-payroll

expenses of $15,000 per year with inflation thereafter.

Attachments: PSATTF Interlocal Cooperative Agreement



BE                                                                                                                   _]
Auto Theft Task Force Proposal                                                           Page 2

Approved by:
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Dave Soike                                                 Date
Chief Operating Officer

Approved by:
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Stephen P. Metruck                                                  Date
Executive Director


Instructions:

(1) Get the approvalfrom your department head and the signaturefrom your ELT leader.
(2) Get the approval signaturefrom the Executive Director.
(3) After obtaining all the appropriate signatures, send an approved copy to thefollowing staff:
Human Resources: Kimberley DesMarais
Finance & Budget: Michael Tong











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Auto Theft Task Force Proposal                                                           Page 3