Harrell to host panel on downtown crime and street disorder

LEAD program under review, discussion

Seattle – Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, will host a special Public Safety meeting to discuss the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. LEAD is one of the City’s major initiatives to reduce downtown crime and street disorder through targeted outreach and social services to individuals.

LEAD provides a tool for Seattle Police officers to refer individuals engaged in low level drug and prostitution offenses to an intensive social services intervention program in lieu of prosecution. The Public Defender’s Association’s (PDA) Racial Disparity Project is responsible for day-to-day program operations while policy is set by an oversight committee comprised of representatives from multiple agencies in Seattle and King County.

Council will listen and discuss with LEAD, SPD, Law, business and community groups, and social service case workers on how the program is operating.

WHAT:        

Lunch & Learn presentation on LEAD program

WHEN:        

Wednesday, September 24, 12:00 p.m.

WHERE:      

Council Chambers, 2nd floor, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

WHO:          

Councilmembers

Pete Holmes, City Attorney

Lisa Daugaard, Policy Director, Public Defender Association

Mike Washburn, Assistant Chief, SPD

Deanna Nollette, Captain, SPD

Chris Fowler, Captain, SPD

Ryan Long, Sgt, SPD

Ron Jackson, Director emeritus, Evergreen Treatment Services

Mary Barbosa, King County Prosecutor

Mark Cook, ACLU of WA

John Urquhart, King County Sheriff

Don Blakeney, Chinatown/ID Business Improvement Area

Elizabeth Campbell, Belltown Community Council

Kris Nyrop, LEAD program Director, Public Defender Association