Harrell Plans Hasty Rollout of Massive Surveillance Expansion

Mayor Harrell is seeking to quickly roll out gun-shot detectors and closed circuit cameras to feed into real-time crime center software, raising privacy concerns. Claims that this major expansion of the surveillance state will curb serious crime are largely unsubstantiated.

New Chief Barnes Pledges Seattle Police Department Will ‘Return to Normal’

New Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes outlined his strategy in a presentation to the Seattle City Council, pledging the department would put scandals behind it and forge ahead with new resolve.
The pedestrian bridge to the University Washington campus looms in the background and a bus stop with two buses waiting at a stop light.

Metro Plans Reduced Service as Staff Hold Shawn Yim Memorial Friday

To allow staff to participate in a memorial for slain bus driver Shawn Yim, King County Metro has announced plans for reduced service Friday. Amalgamated Transit Union 587 is honoring Yim with a 10am funeral procession through Downtown Seattle and a memorial service at Lumen Field Event Center.

Sunday Video: The Wrong Way to Set Speed Limits

https://youtu.be/bglWCuCMSWc Not Just Bikes explains how most speed limits are set on North American streets and road using the 85th Percentile technique as well as...
Sue Rahr, City Attorney Ann Davison, and Amy Smith (last name is now Barden), the CARE head presented to Seattle City Council's public safety committee.

Seattle Pursues Looser Police Hiring Standards After High-Profile Screening Failure

The Seattle Police Department hired a cop with a record of reckless driving who went on to kill Jaahnavi Kandula while driving recklessly. However, instead of tightening hiring protocols, Seattle officials are looking to loosen them further.

WALeg Wednesday: Saldaña Drops Bill to End Jaywalking

More housing bills queued up in Week 2 Welcome to the second week of the Washington State Legislature 2023 Session. We have added two new...

Sunday Video: What Are The Rules Of Social Distancing?

https://youtu.be/h9d86ocFlxE A social epidemiologist explains to Vox the parameters of effective social distancing are in the era of COVID-19 while also being mindful of how...
A half dozen police and a medic team talk to a person in a wheel chair across from Pioneer Square Station. A police cruiser and ambulance are parked along Third Avenue.

Harrell Cuts Social Safety Net to Fund 16% Boost to SPD

Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2025 budget would cut elsewhere to fund a 16% increase to the Seattle Police Department. The cuts to affordable housing and social services could backfire, undermining public safety and homelessness response.