With the recent transition of RILA’s VCI King County Pilot project to a newly formed public/private partnership with the Washington State office of the Attorney General and Washington Retail Association, the Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Task Force continues to build momentum following the recent meeting. This first transition meeting brought together approximately 45 law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers, and analysts, all committed to addressing the rising tide of organized retail crime in Washington.
Key outcomes from the most recent task force meeting include:
- Regular Monthly Meetings: The task force will now meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. This schedule ensures consistent collaboration and the ability to respond nimbly to emerging trends and cases.
- New Process Development: With the conclusion of pilot agreements between retailers and Auror, the group recognized the need to adapt. A smaller working group is being formed to evaluate and streamline data-sharing solutions across platforms. Those interested in participating can reach out to Renée Sunde ([email protected]), Genevieve Brownlee ([email protected]), or the Attorney General’s Office ([email protected]).
To maximize the value of these meetings, John Olsen from the Washington State Fusion Center is coordinating intelligence gathering ahead of time. He is seeking:
- A list of top offenders from various jurisdictions
- Participants willing to present or provide insights on offenders or relevant trends
- Supporting materials, such as photos and summaries of offenders’ activities
If you haven’t connected with John yet, he can be reached at [email protected].
Moving Forward. This task force represents a unified effort to protect Washington communities from the growing threat of organized retail crime. Through coordinated action, shared intelligence, and innovative solutions, the task force is working to make the state a safer place to shop and work.
Thank you to all participants for your ongoing commitment and collaboration. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.
