Police and Public Safety

Ex-SPD Employee Jamie Tompkins Alleges City Allowed “Sexually Hostile Work Environment”

Evidence that led to the ouster of former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz is now coming into question, and Jamie Tompkins, the department's former Chief-of-Staff is pushing to negotiate a $3 million settlement from the city.

Progressive Trend Emerging in Late Primary Election Returns

Primary results have been a Rorschach test for pundits, with moderates divining a moderate resurgence and lefties seeing progressives well-positioned. Late returns have strongly...
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.

Seattleites Demand Housing Fixes, but Chamber Overlooks Their Own Poll Finding

The chamber and friends are focused on homeless sweeps and pinning blame on progressive councilmembers, rather than housing solutions. On Monday, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber...
Othello light rail station. (Credit: Doug Trumm)

Every 40 Days Train Collisions Happen in the Rainier Valley

Sound Transit has been operating Central Link since 2009, and in that time period, the light rail line has been consistently plagued by collisions...

Seattle Inspector General Violating Disclosure Laws by Altering, Withholding Records

Advocates warn Seattle Inspector General Lisa Judge is jeopardizing public trust in the city’s police accountability system, as her office obscures records. The office also withheld what appears to be important evidence in a high-profile case involving former SPD chief Adrian Diaz.
Mayor Durkan with Ferris wheel and Seattle waterfront in background

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...

Op-Ed: Restoring Seattle’s Community Court Is Good, Pre-Filing Diversion Even Better 

Reviving community court isn’t a simple fix for Seattle’s criminal legal system — pre-filing diversion programs are more effective, cost less money, and avoid the harmful consequences of prosecution. Here's one Seattle City Attorney candidate's plan.