Seattle police, event promoters promise safer FreakNight after overdoses, assaults

Seattle police and organizers say a number of steps have been taken to help prevent a repeat of last year’s FreakNight event at the WaMu Theater that saw a number of drug overdoses, fights and other problems.

The annual electronic music event and Halloween party has expanded to two nights beginning Friday evening.

A Seattle Police Department report criticized the event for failing to have enough private-security workers both inside and outside the event, says SPD Det. Mark Jamieson.

Last year’s event drew over 20,000 attendees. Police and medics were called to respond to a number of incidents, including seven aid calls for drug overdoses or alcohol problems.

“Being in the middle of it felt unsafe,” says Michael Simeona, who attended last year. “I would say 60 to 70 percent of the people there are on something,” he says adding he was not one of them.

The event promoters plan to have more than 150 private security personnel inside the venue this year, CenturyLink Field general manager Adam Link tells the Seattle Times.

Seattle police officers won’t be part of the security contingent. Department policy prevents off-duty officers from working events like FreakNight where drug use is likely, and condoned.

“The department does not want to put officers in that position. It’s a conflict of interest because you’re being paid by the promoter but you’re going to witness illegal activity,” Jamieson says.

But police will have a noticeable presence outside the event.

“I can tell you that all the officers that will be working that night are certainly aware of what’s going on and we are going to respond to any 911 call or any emergency at that venue.”

Along with adding more security, event organizers also plan to make sure enough medical personnel and volunteer “safety ambassadors” are stationed at the event, since rampant drug and alcohol use is expected. They also promise more free water stations. Dehydration is a common problem with people who take ecstasy or “Molly”, drugs popular at electronic music events.

“If you’re in the middle of it, it’s out of control. You can’t breathe, there’s no way to get water,” says Simeona, who says he won’t be going to this year’s event. “It took 40 minutes to get to the water fountain.”

The promoters, United State of Consciousness Events, have partnered with King County and the University of Washington on a new public information campaign called “The Message” to help promote safety at events like FreakNight.

It includes reminders to drink lots of water, look out for each other, and feel safe to report medical emergencies if attendees see someone in trouble, reminding them of the state’s “Good Samaritan” law, which protect people from criminal prosecution if they report an emergency.

Police want people to know they’ll honor it as well.

“If a friend is having some sort of adverse reaction, you can call without fear of getting in trouble,” Jamieson says. “We want to make sure everyone is safe.”

Freaknight isn’t the only local electronic dance event plagued by drug overdoses in the last year. One person died and dozens were treated for drug related illnesses at the Paradiso Festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre in June. That festival was also produced by USC, the promoter of Freaknight.