Why police were swarming around West Seattle HS

Many people e-mailed WSB to ask what the big police presence at West Seattle High School today was all about: We just got off the phone with Lt. Steve Paulsen at the Southwest Precinct, who explained that various student conflicts during the week led to some concern about a possible “disturbance” today — so just to be on the safe side, they put on a show of preventive force — and Lt. Paulsen says it worked, with a quiet day at the school. He says there also were officers present around Chief Sealth HS as well, and there will be some continued presence at WSHS next week too, though not quite at today’s level; Lt. Paulsen also noted that today worked out as a great exercise in cooperation between the schools and the police department.

Bob Loblaw December 14, 2007 (4:11 pm)

Nice work, SPD! Great to see the pro-active approach. And also great to hear you worked with WSB, our best daily news source.

Radley December 14, 2007 (5:02 pm)

Bob Loblaw, I think that the credit needs to really go to the Principals who intiated the police intervention, so from me, kudos to Mr. Bivins, Mr. Boyd, and thier staff.

Jiggers December 14, 2007 (5:17 pm)

What happened yesterday afternoon? I saw four police cars screaming up to the jewelry store across from Jak’s. Where they hit?

Todd December 14, 2007 (7:20 pm)

I drove by a few times today while running errands and saw 2 Chargers and 2 regular patrol cars. Also saw 2 motorcycle officers on the PCC side of the street. I thought they might be doing speed enforcement. Thanks for the info WSB.

chas redmond December 14, 2007 (9:07 pm)

That’s true, I’ve been seeing increased SPD presence and my first Intimidator (the gray Chargers) – a very impressive vehicle, to be sure. I still wish they would do more radar gun timings with patrol cars a few blocks down on both Fauntleroy and 35th. Still far too many folks going 50 on those roads. That needs to stop and nothing stops that stuff better’n police enforcement. I’ve noticed more folks going slightly over 40 on the causeway, a slowdown of about 10 mph. People still speed down AND up Admiral Way, though. Maybe speed bumps like on Beach Dr. would work.