Discussion is an ‘opportunity’ to improve ordinance

Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following statement on erroneous reports that the City of Seattle was no longer making drug-related arrests beginning in 2026. The Mayor’s Office and Seattle Police Department responded to members of the media and online activists this morning stating that “there has been no policy change.”

“While there has been a misunderstanding regarding a change in the City’s drug enforcement policy, this moment provides a necessary opening to discuss a critical pillar of Seattle’s public safety strategy. My focus will be on evaluating the real-world effectiveness of this legislation. There are opportunities for improvement.

“I remain a strong supporter of diversion programs like LEAD, but we must acknowledge that there are instances where the criminal justice route is the necessary path for enforcement. We need to guarantee Seattle’s drug-enforcement ordinance respects the work of our officers on the street, offers help to those in need, and addresses the individuals who cause repeated harm to our neighborhoods.

“My team and I look forward to partnering with Mayor Wilson, City Attorney Evans, and Chief Barnes to ensure that effective on-the-ground drug diversion and enforcement in our public spaces remains a top priority for a safer Seattle.” 

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