Campers, aid tables return after SPD clears homeless out of Cal Anderson Park
Aug 14, 2020, 10:29 AM | Updated: 6:02 pm
Seattle police stand outside Cal Anderson Park in August. (KIRO Radio, Nicole Jennings)
(KIRO Radio, Nicole Jennings)
A few dozen people were protesting near Cal Anderson Park after clearing homeless campers out of the area early Friday morning. A group of Seattle police officers stood by for a few hours, but left just after 12:30 p.m.
This occurred near the restrooms on the south end of the park, by the baseball field.
Protesters were shouting at police as dump trucks and city crews clear away the remains of the homeless encampment. They were asking why police did not bring social workers with them. Protesters say that citizens have been cleaning up the area and that the city needs to treat the homeless with dignity.
Protesters shouted, “Cowards, quit your (expletive) jobs” as officers walked through the park and left.
Police say they arrested four people for criminal trespassing, and noted that Human Services Department representatives with the Navigation Team were not on-site to assist with removing homeless individuals from the park. Services were instead reportedly offered by SPD’s own Navigation Team members.
In the time since police left the area, some campers returned to set up their tents again, while aid tables were reestablished as well. Others were picking up litter in the park.
About an hour after #seattlepolice left, #calandersonpark is very quiet, feels just like any other day. Hard to believe the dramatic scene that was here not too long ago. Some people have reoccupied the park and set tents up again, others are picking up litter. #seattleprotest pic.twitter.com/dZuXwM3g15
— Nicole Jennings (@nicoleKIROFM) August 14, 2020
This all comes after the Seattle City Council made large cuts to SPD’s budget, including the Navigation team, stating that social workers should do the job of homeless outreach instead.
Dramatic moment as things escalated at #calandersonpark. #seattlepolice #seattleprotest #spd pic.twitter.com/WRpFJw4G28
— Nicole Jennings (@nicoleKIROFM) August 14, 2020
Police standing in a line as dump trucks clear remains of homeless camp. #seattlepolice #seattleprotest pic.twitter.com/TMZF8cvGbQ
— Nicole Jennings (@nicoleKIROFM) August 14, 2020
Police and protesters just moved toward each other at #CalAndersonPark, where #SPD is sweeping a homeless camp. Protesters are mad that cops did not bring social workers with them. #seattleprotest pic.twitter.com/RpIrNR47oV
— Nicole Jennings (@nicoleKIROFM) August 14, 2020
KIRO Radio’s Nicole Jennings contributed to this report.
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