The Tumwater Civil Service Commission meeting on May 8, 2025, focused on the approval of a new police records supervisor position, a key addition to the police department's structure. The commission unanimously approved the class specification for this role, which is designed to oversee the management and compliance of the department's record systems.

The police records supervisor will be responsible for ensuring that all records are accurately maintained, stored, and disclosed in accordance with state laws and public disclosure regulations. This position will also supervise administrative staff within the department. The need for this role arises from the upcoming implementation of body-worn cameras, which is expected to significantly increase the volume of public records requests.

During the meeting, it was noted that past experiences with in-car camera systems highlighted the necessity for better management of records retention and disclosure. The police department aims to avoid previous mistakes by having a dedicated supervisor in place to evaluate the new system alongside an administrative sergeant set to join the department in July.

The commission's approval of the police records supervisor position is seen as a proactive step to ensure effective management of the anticipated increase in records requests and to enhance the overall efficiency of the police department. The next steps will involve posting the position and outlining the minimum qualifications required for candidates.