Seattle wants your input on SPD chief search this week
Jul 25, 2022, 10:56 AM
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a housing levy plan that would increase affordable housing options to address the homelessness crisis.(Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images)
As the city of Seattle continues its nationwide search for its next police chief it wants to hear what you want in the next chief.
“As we work to identify our Seattle Police Department’s next chief, we designed a community-driven search process where input and outreach are core elements,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “From the highest levels, our Seattle Police Department must reflect the qualities Seattle residents demand – a leader who runs an effective department with accountability, innovation, and transparency. These forums, in addition to our search committee and survey, ensure we are receiving a diverse array of perspectives that enhance our efforts to hire the best possible police chief, respond to current community priorities, and build a safe city for all.”
The Mayor’s office is hosting a series of 5 community forums meant to create opportunities for Seattle residents to share the priorities and values they are seeking in the City’s next Chief of Police.
They include focus areas such as faith, the Central District, South Seattle, Immigrants and Refugees, Youth, and Small Business. While anyone is welcome to engage with any of these particular community issues and meetings the one best fit for a wide variety of issues will be the one focused on the General Public. It will take place Tuesday night at North Seattle College from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Grove Room.
The 90-minute conversation will include a presentation about policing and best practices from other cities, a question-and-answer period, and an open forum for neighbors to provide comments, ideas, and additional feedback as the search continues. Additional forums throughout the week will also generate focused input from Seattle communities.
Find full details on Tuesday night’s general public forum as well as others being held this week here.
