A green graphic with the Lime scootershare and bikeshare logo says

Police and Public Safety

Barden stands at a lectern at a fire hall with a fire truck, fire chief, mayor, and CARE staff in the background.

Sales Tax Hike Would Fund Civilian Responder Expansion, Barring SPOG Obstruction

Mayor Bruce Harrell has proposed a 0.1% sales tax hike for public safety investments, including doubling the size of the civilian CARE department. However, CARE’s future rests on cooperation from the Seattle Police Officers Guild, which has sought to limit the fledgling agency in the past.
Officials including Bob Kettle and Debora Juarez and SPD top brass stand on the steps of Seattle's US Courthouse with a reporter outstretching an arm holding a mic to interview them

Harrell Pledges Police Contract by Year End – Adding Election Wrinkle

Mayor Bruce Harrell has pledged to complete labor negotiations with the Seattle Police Officers Guild before the end of the year. But facing a tough reelection fight, he might not be around to sign the deal, which challenger Katie Wilson may want to renegotiate anyway.

Seattle School Board Considers Returning Police to Garfield High

Last week, the Seattle School Board was scheduled to vote on a pilot program that would return police to Garfield High School, but delayed the vote to October 8. Critics have argued better ways exist to promote safety, and that a return of police could contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline and disparate outcomes for Black and brown students.

Seattle Council Greenlights Police Surveillance Expansion, Ignoring Community Objections

This week, the Seattle City Council took a controversial 7-2 vote to greatly expand the Seattle Police Department’s surveillance pilot program, as proposed by Mayor Bruce Harrell. Public comment was overwhelmingly against the idea, and progressive candidates also criticized the move.
Officials stand on the steps of Seattle's US Courthouse after the consent decree hearing.

Federal Judge Ends Consent Decree Oversight of Seattle Police Department

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge James Robart granted the motion to terminate Seattle’s consent decree, ending a saga of federal police oversight that began 15 years ago. Community safety advocates say issues remain at the Seattle Police Department and more reforms are needed.
Mayor Bruce Harrell stands at a lectern flanked by Police Chief Shon Barnes and Councilmember Bob Kettle, who chairs the Public Safety Committee. A projection screen displays surveillance footage.

Harrell Pushes to Expand Recently Passed Surveillance Camera Pilot Program

Mayor Bruce Harrell is proposing to expand his three-month-old surveillance pilot program by installing more police cameras and funneling data from hundreds of traffic management cameras into the Seattle Police Department’s real-time crime center. The move has draw criticism from civil liberties groups.

Seattle, King County Brace for Impact of Coming Federal Funding Earthquake

At the city and the county level, local leaders are preparing for the impacts of the new federal reconciliation bill, described as "devastating." Those impacts will be felt everywhere from hospitals to food banks.
Nelson stands at a lectern with a row of providers standing behind her.

Seattle Council Targets Nuisance Properties, Graffiti, and Safety-Themed Sales Tax Bump

Last Tuesday, the Seattle City Council voted 7-1 to pass changes to the city’s 16-year-old nuisance property ordinance that will expand the powers of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to declare a business or residence a “chronic nuisance.”  As Council ramps up criminalization and weighs funding more addiction treatment services, do their plans add up to a cohesive strategy?