Seattle Police promise more officers on streets for holiday shopping

BY Stephanie Klein  on November 13, 2012 @ 12:59 pm (Updated: 9:27 pm - 11/13/12 )

Seattle shopping
In an effort to keep shoppers and families enjoying the festivities safe, the City of Seattle is stepping up its patrols downtown this holiday season. (AP Photo) | Zoom
In an effort to keep shoppers and families enjoying the festivities safe, the City of Seattle is stepping up its patrols downtown this holiday season.

Seattle Police Captain James Dermody said they'll focus on areas between 3rd and 7th Avenues and Union to Olive Streets as well, as select locations within Pioneer Square.

The extra patrols begin the day after Thanksgiving and end the day after Christmas, Monday-Friday from 3pm-10pm and Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 1pm-10pm.

Dermody said criminal behavior means there is a lack of guardians, both formal and informal.

three things need to happen for criminal behavior: a suitable target, a motivated target, and a lack of guardians, both formal and informal.

"We're the formal guardians and the community (are the) informal," he said.

Mayor Mike McGinn touted healthy growth in retail sales over the last two years and said its helped allow the city to make new investments, namely in hiring more officers.

The Downtown Seattle Association is pleased with the extra patrols for the shopping season.

"Downtown is a place where families, visitors, residents and everyone who enjoys downtown can feel comfortable and welcome," said Downtown Seattle Association Director Kate Joncas.

Stephanie Klein, MyNorthwest.com Editor
Stephanie joined the MyNorthwest.com team in February 2008. She has built the site into a two-time National Edward R. Murrow Award winner (Best Radio Website 2010, 2012).
More Local News
Top Stories

  • Otherworldly
    Amazon has new plans for huge biospheres on its new campus

  • One
    Microsoft calls its new Xbox 'truly intelligent TV'

  • Skillet Spreads
    Seattle's Skillet Street Food and its creator are growing way beyond the Airstream
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (3)


  • Add A Comment

  • Fuego wrote...
    I don't have to worry
    November 13, 2012 2:30 pm
    as I do all my shopping from my keyboard. Free shipping, no sales tax and the bonus is I don't have to deal with Seattle.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • 509 wrote...
    I took my family shopping in downtown Seattle.....ONCE
    November 13, 2012 4:44 pm
    My kid was accosted by a "homeless" person. She also got to witness a drug bust right in front of her by the SPD. We got a parking ticket. Warned about jay walking when a construction zone forced us across the street by SPD. Paid close to $200/night for a typical hotel room. Oh, don't forget all those "special" Seattle taxes. Are you kidding!! Repeat that experience!! Trust me. Shop Portland.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zoeller wrote...
    "residents and everyone who enjoys downtown can feel comfortable and welcome,"
    November 14, 2012 5:33 am
    Really? Feel comfortable in Seattle? The only time I will step foot in the Seattle City limits is with my CPL and 17 rounds loaded in my Glock.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }