Seattle Police

Seattle police say this time they're ready for May Day

Paula Wissel — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:04:55 +0000

Seattle police insist they’re ready for whatever happens on May Day, that they are better staffed, better organized and better trained than last year.

“We’re as prepared as we can be, given our resources,” said Captain Chris Fowler, the designated commander for police May Day response.

Last year on May Day, there was widespread confusion among officers on duty about how to respond to black-clad vandals smashing windows downtown.

What’s different this time?

Seattle to target violent crime

Paula Wissel — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 01:14:30 +0000

You can expect to see more police in Seattle soon. The 2013 city budget includes money to hire additional cops with an emphasis on fighting violent crime.

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Update: John T. Williams totem pole raised

Erin Hennessey and Paula Wissel — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:52:14 +0000

A 34-foot totem pole honoring slain First Nations woodcarver John T. Williams was carried from the Seattle Waterfront to Seattle Center and raised by some 90 people on Sunday. The pole was carried to its final destination with traditional singing, drumming, and dancing.

Police pepper spray rowdy shoe shoppers in Seattle

The Associated Press — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:25:02 +0000

Police used pepper spray to break up fights among pushing and shoving customers waiting outside a Seattle area mall to buy the first Nike retro Air Jordan basketball shoes that went on sale early Friday.

Follow @SeattlePD around during Twitter "ride-along"

Charla Bear — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:46:41 +0000

Have you ever wondered what a Seattle police officer does all day? You’re not alone.

The department says it typically has long waiting lists of people who want to ride along on patrols. Now it’s offering a way to virtually give everyone a chance to see the action.

Seattle police fatally shoot Interbay murder suspect in Belltown

Erin Hennessey — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:22:02 +0000

Seattle homicide detectives on Sunday afternoon fatally shot a man who was a suspect in the stabbing death of an 84-year-old employee at a self-storage facility in the city's Interbay neighborhood. The suspect had been using the victim's credit cards.

Detectives used photos to track him down in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, at the bustling corner of 4th Avenue and Cedar Street. Seattle Police spokesman Mark Jamieson told KPLU the murder suspect attacked detectives, forcing them to fire their weapons.

Seattle facing more budget cuts next year

KPLU News Staff — Tue, 03 May 2011 22:32:58 +0000

Police, fire and all other departments in Seattle have been asked to find budget cuts for next year. Mayor Mike McGinn has instructed every office to look for trims because of lagging city revenues.

Wood carver's killing subject of federal review

Bellamy Pailthorp — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:08:58 +0000

"We have nothing to hide" – those were the words of Seattle's chief of police yesterday. The department is under fire.

The questions stem from a federal review of the fatal shooting of a first nation's wood carver last August, as well as what many people perceive as a prior pattern of abusive violence against minority groups.

Tuesday morning's headlines

KPLU News Staff — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:16:07 +0000

Making headlines around the Northwest this morning:

Did Seattle Police Violate DUI Procedures?
Reforms at Monroe Prison After Guard's Killing
Electronic Billboard Fight Brews in Tacoma

DUI Prosecutions in Seattle on Hold

Some drunk driving cases have been suspended by City Attorney Pete Holmes while Seattle Police investigate how its DUI squad handled procedures.

On Monday, SPD admitted it is reviewing allegations procedures in the unit were not properly handled. according to The Seattle Times:

The investigation has forced the department to pull all but one member of its five-member DUI Squad from the street and assign them to desk duties, according to police.

Tuesday morning's headlines

KPLU News Staff — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:52:42 +0000

Making headlines around the Northwest this morning:

Report: Seattle Police Don't Abuse Use of Force
Supreme Court Sides With Local Peace Activist
Gonzaga Makes NCAA Field

Seattle Police: Our Use of Force "Rare"

Seattle Police say the public's impression that officers are using more physical force is wrong. In fact, a new department report makes the case that use of force is rare. The SeattlePI.com's Casey McNerthny details a number of recent incidents where officers have been under scrutiny for charges of excessive force. Still, the report:

Video shows Seattle cop stomping on suspect

KPLU News Staff — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:03:42 +0000

Newly released video shows Seattle Police Officer James Lee stomping on the head of a man detained by a group of cops in city's Belltown neighborhood last October.

KING-TV's Linda Brill reports the incident is bringing further allegations of excessive force by Lee, already under criminal investigation for kicking a teenager in a Belltown convenience store, just minutes before the second confrontation happened.

Friday morning's headlines

KPLU News Staff — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:17:09 +0000

Here's what's making headlines around the Northwest this morning:

Angry Crowd at Seattle Police Accountability Forum
Investigation of John T. Williams shooting Deemed Fair
Legislature Nixes Governor's Plan for Regional Ferry Authority

Anger, outbursts at forum on Seattle Police conduct

A Seattle police accountability forum at City Hall turned into a shouting match at times, and some demanded the resignation of Police Chief John Diaz.

KOMO News reports the goal of the Thursday night meeting was to restore trust between police and minorities.

Inquest jury split over questions about Seattle police shooting

The Associated Press and KPLU News Staff — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:15:17 +0000

Four of eight jurors in a coroner's inquest say woodcarver John T. Williams didn't have enough time to put down his knife before he was shot and killed by Seattle police Officer Ian Birk.

Only one juror found Williams had time to put down the knife. The other three answered "unknown." Thursday's conclusions are only findings of fact by the jury, which did not have to be unanimous.

Woodcarver's brother testifies at inquest

Paula Wissel — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:22:38 +0000

The brother of the woodcarver killed by a Seattle policeman testified today during the inquest into the shooting. Much of the testimony during the inquest has centered on whether John T. William’s knife was open or closed at the time he was shot by Seattle Police Officer Ian Birk, who has testified he feared the woodcarver was about to attack him.

On the stand today, John T. Williams older brother Rick told jurors he and his brother were taught by their father to close their knives when they talked to people. Linda Byron of KING 5 News writes:

Seattle police shoot man at bus stop, 5th shooting of year

Paula Wissel — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:20:51 +0000

A man was shot by Seattle police near a bus stop at Third Avenue and Yesler Way around 10 p.m. Tuesday. Police say the man, estimated to be in his late 30s, was about to grab a handgun out of his waistband when he was shot. He's in serious condition in the intensive-care unit and is expected to survive, according to Harborview spokeswoman Susan Gregg-Hanson.