Police and Public Safety

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 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.
A large first sculture on home plate of the baseball field at Cal Anderson.

19 Black Leaders Decline Invite to Durkan’s Equitable Communities Task Force

Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the membership of her hand-picked Equitable Community task force Wednesday and prominent Black-led group like King County Equity Now and...

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...

Strong Student Support Advances Police Alternatives in U District

Last week, the University of Washington Graduate and Professional Student Senate voted in favor of creating an unarmed community response system for non-violent calls...
Nelson displays a letter showing the logo of several busines sgroups including the Chamber, Downtown Seattle Association, NAOIP, and others.

Seattle Council Narrowly Rejects ‘War on Drugs’ Bill

Councilmembers Nelson and Pedersen, with scant evidence, claimed jail and forced treatment would make a dent in the opiate epidemic. The push to reignite the...
Shaun Scott at Gas Works Park. (Photo credit: Alex Garland)

Protest, Policing, and the Prospect for Change: Shaun Scott Breaks It Down with The...

Our monthly meetup guest this month was former Seattle City Council candidate Shaun Scott. On Tuesday, he touched on a wide range of topics...

Dear Council: Make Safe Streets a Priority and Keep Parking Enforcement In SDOT

Seattle is nearing its final 2023-2024 budget and some big decisions are still in flux. The Mayor’s budget puts parking enforcement back in the...