Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist gave a public safety update to council members at the regularly scheduled Sumner City Council meeting.
Prosecutor Lindquist spoke about protecting our community with two innovative initiatives.
First, he discussed the High Priority Offender Program (HPO), a data-driven approach to prosecution.
“We are using technology, data, and intel to identify and focus resources on the small percentage of offenders who are committing a large percentage of the crimes,” said Prosecutor Lindquist.
This crime-fighting initiative began in 2016 after months of preparation and buy-in from all of the county’s 24 law enforcement agencies. Lindquist’s office, the first on the west coast to implement HPO, modeled their successful program on data-driven approaches to prosecution in New York and other east coast cities.
“We are confident this emphasis on career criminals and high-impact offenders will reduce crime and make our community safer,” said Lindquist.
Second, Lindquist spoke with councilmembers about the office’s Elder Abuse Unit. Started by Lindquist in 2011, the elder abuse team works to vigorously prosecute offenders and assist the community in preventing elder abuse crimes.
“Our aging family members and friends are among the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Lindquist. “Our office protects elders through vigorous prosecution, education, and collaboration with our partners.”
Because of its leadership in the field of elder abuse, Pierce County was awarded $370,985 from the Department of Justice to support a comprehensive approach to addressing elder abuse. The Prosecutor’s Office, which secured one of only nine nationwide grants, is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies and victim service organizations to increase and strengthen training, form a community response team, and improve access to victim services.
“We’re glad you’re on it,” said Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow, summing up the council’s reaction to both public safety initiatives.
The Prosecutor is always happy to speak with local leaders, civic groups, and senior communities on these and other issues facing our county.
