Seattle police plan to shift some bicycle patrols to foot patrols in parts of downtown to improve public safety, Interim Police Chief John Diaz announced Wednesday
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle police plan to shift some bicycle patrols to foot beats in parts of downtown to improve public safety, Interim Police Chief John Diaz announced Wednesday.
"A best practice by police departments across the country to address concerns about civility is to increase police visibility and presence," Diaz said in a written statement. "Foot beats are the most effective way to deter the sorts of behavior that can negatively affect our quality of life".
The redeployment, which will start April 1 under a pilot project, was ordered at the direction of Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. No specific numbers were immediately provided.
The change comes at time when public safety and civility in the downtown area have come under increased attention, including a five-point plan proposed by City Councilmember Tim Burgess to use foot patrols and an aggressive solicitation ordinance to make people feel safer downtown and in shopping districts.
Panhandling near ATMs and parking meters would be banned throughout Seattle under the proposal. Burgess has said tougher laws are needed to respond to complaints from residents and business owners, especially downtown, in the University District and Ballard.
Crime in South Lake Union and downtown rose 22 percent between 2008 and 2009, according to Seattle Police Department statistics. A 2009 Metropolitan Improvement District survey showed 66 percent of downtown residents said they were concerned about aggressive solicitation.
Under the plan announced by McGinn and Diaz, foot beats will be added in Belltown, Pioneer Square and the International District.
Both men said the change will be carried out within the existing budget in light of the city's current financial restraints.
Diaz, who is seeking the permanent police chief job, said if the project receives positive feedback, it could be added in other parts of the city where bicycle officers are assigned.
"Dealing specifically with aggressive panhandling ... has a role in providing a greater sense of safety," Diaz said in his statement. "Seattle is a compassionate and generous city, but intimidating conduct of any kind is unacceptable".
Diaz, who supports Burgess' proposed ordinance, said officers would receive training on enforcing it and that a grace period of warnings with an education campaign would precede the issuance of infraction tickets.
Officers also would provide information on social services to people who are cited, Diaz said.
The Seattle Times
