At a public safety forum this past spring, moderator Enrique Cerna started his conversation with Mayor Harrell by stating how he was struck while watching a news report on two recent shootings in the Central District. A resident in the report said, “I hate to say this but it’s just another day here in the...
The Seattle City Council today approved legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), to launch a new pilot program with the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) for additional jail services. The new pilot program, negotiated by Mayor Bruce Harrell’s team, authorizes Seattle to house 20 additional misdemeanor detainees at SCORE. That’s in addition to...
Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) announced new legislation today aimed at cracking down on commercial sexual exploitation and rampant and escalating gun violence associated with it. “We need to disrupt right now the commercial sexual exploitation ecosystem that is driving gun violence on and near Aurora. We need this for the safety of...
Today, the City Council approved legislation better defining illegal street racing and giving the city new tools to address it. The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) and Councilmember Tanya Woo (Position 8) in close partnership with City Attorney Ann Davison, creates a new traffic infraction of $500 for registered owners involved in...
Tool aimed at improving public safety, preventing crimes, and helping investigations SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council passed legislation today that will expand automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology to the entire Seattle Police Department’s fleet. This technology is an important tool to help address crime across the city, both in-progress activity and investigations after-the-fact....
The emergency legislation will take effect immediately after being signed by the Mayor SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council unanimously passed legislation today that would allow the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) to swiftly order the demolition or remediation of unsafe vacant buildings that pose risks to public safety. The bill was sponsored by Councilmembers Bob...
Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7, Chair of the Public Safety Committee) issued the following statement after Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that Sue Rahr will become interim Chief of the Police Department: “I respect Mayor Bruce Harrell’s decision and look forward to working with Interim Chief Rahr on our public safety challenges. Further, we...
The Seattle City Council unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) and Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) to accelerate police hiring in Seattle. “One of our most fundamental responsibilities as a city government is to provide public safety. Right now, we are losing too many officers to achieve that goal. This...
Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed a new contract with rank-and-file police officers into law following its passage by the City Council. The agreement is an important step to addressing Seattle’s police staffing crisis, expanding civilian public safety responses, and strengthening police accountability. “The new police officer contract is a needed step forward to advance our vision...
Seattle City Councilmembers Bob Kettle (District 7, Chair of the Public Safety Committee) and Cathy Moore (District 5, member of the Public Safety Committee) announced their support for Mayor Bruce Harrell’s independent review into allegations made against Seattle Police Department leadership. Additionally, Councilmember Moore has sent a letter to SPD about the 30×30 Report, asking...