Harrell Drops ShotSpotter from Surveillance Expansion, but Privacy Concerns Remain
Mayor Bruce Harrell has dropped acoustic gunshot locator technology from his proposal to beef up surveillance of Seattle residents. The expansion of automated license plate readers, cameras, and real-time crime center software has continued to draw criticism from groups focused on privacy and racial equity.
Harrell Ousts Police Chief Diaz Amid Allegations, Appoints Sue Rahr Interim Chief
Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz is out as the allegations against him pile up. Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Sue Rahr would be his interim replacement. Diaz faces numerous investigations for an alleged pattern of gender and racial discrimination in his office and sexual harassment.
Sunday Video: What Is The ‘Correct’ Speed Limit?
Jason Slaughter of Not Just Bikes dives into why lower speeds limits are good society and what the best speed limits are for cities....
Seattle Police Contract Passes Despite Limited Accountability Measures, Budget Hit
With a 24% raise and backpay, Seattle police officers are collectively earning an extra $96 million in compensation from the City in 2024. City leaders hope to spur hiring, but the contract did little to increase police accountability and blew a bigger hole in the City's quarter-billion-dollar budget deficit.
Op-Ed: Seattle Council Must Reject an Unaccountable SPOG Contract
The tentative labor contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild fails to strengthen accountability while offering huge retroactive pay increases. With a contract that is expired as soon as it's signed, it’s difficult to understand why the City is giving up leverage in these negotiations. Council will vote to ratify the deal Tuesday.
Op-Ed: New SPOG Contract Will Kneecap Hiring (at Least of Cops We Want)
It would be a big mistake for Seattle City Council to approve the new Seattle Police Officers Guild contract because it fails to ensure Seattle is safer by promoting proactive policing and civilian alternatives for low-level calls.
Seattle Council, Mayor Not Asking the Hard Questions about Police Recruitment
City leaders are weighing laxer hiring standards rather than improving SPD's culture and accountability systems. But SPD's bad reputation could be the bigger drag on hiring – not to mention safety outcomes.
How King County’s Basic Income Program Could Fight Poverty and Increase Safety
Research has showed the promise of guaranteed basic income programs to interrupt the cycle of poverty, and participants in King County's pilot program told The Urbanist that it had helped them improve their circumstances.