Katie Wilson Charts New Course on Public Safety and Homelessness
Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson believes she'll be judged primarily by how she can improve outcomes on homelessness and public safety. In an interview with The Urbanist, Wilson laid out what she aims to do to set a new course, striving for a more holistic and effective response.
How Do Private Security Patrols In Seattle Neighborhoods Affect Livability?
In December 2015, a team of private security guards from Central Protection began making six-hour patrols around the Magnolia residential area. In February 2016,...
Seattle’s Rushed Plan to Jail Low-Level Offenders Passes Its First Hurdle
On Wednesday, Seattle Council’s public safety committee advanced Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposal to contract with the South Correctional Facility (SCORE) jail to house a limited number of people accused of simple misdemeanors, such as criminal trespass and shoplifting. The proposal comes with logistical challenge and its share of critics.
License Plate Readers Proliferate in Washington, Bringing Concerns over ICE Overreach
Automatic license plate readers have proliferated across 81 cities in Washington State, and audits have shown federal agents and anti-abortion states are using Washington plate data to hunt abortion seekers, immigrants, and refugees. This is despite state sanctuary laws intended to shield such vulnerable populations.
Op-Ed: End Cash Bail for Nonviolent Misdemeanors
Too many people are sitting in a jail cell simply because they cannot afford bail while they await trial. Seattle City Attorney candidate Nathan Rouse lays out the case to end cash ball for nonviolent misdemeanors.
Mayor’s Budget Proposes Adding 35 Cops, Skimps Elsewhere
Mayor Jenny Durkan released her budget today and sent Deputy Mayor Shefali Ranganathan to deliver brief remarks on the proposal to the Seattle City...
Seattle Officials Tout Safety, Mental Health Interventions for New School Year
City and school officials promise a tangible change in safety and student supports when the new school year begins. But they're delivering fewer mental health investments than student groups requested.
OPA Advises SPD to Fire Two Officers Who Stormed Capitol, Lets Other Four Off
The Seattle Office of Police Accountability (OPA) has advised that two Seattle police officers should be fired for their role storming the Capitol at...