Neighborhoods’ call for help: ‘While major crime is down … street disorder persists’

| Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

Tonight is the first of two major public hearings for next year’s city budget proposal – and if you have something to say, you’re urged to participate, either by going to the hearing (5:30 pm at City Hall, with signups starting at 5) or by sharing your thoughts online. One coalition didn’t want to wait for tonight’s hearing; they planned to attend a special budget meeting this morning. They are a coalition of 11 groups from neighborhoods around the city – primarily business-focused – who together have issued a letter boiling down to this sentence near the start of a letter they have sent to city leaders: “While major crime is down citywide, street disorder persists and continues to negatively impact our neighborhoods.” They want to make sure the budget provides adequate resources to fight that disorder, and they have some suggestions. Among the signatories to their letter are reps from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the White Center Community Development Association (whose office is in South Delridge). Here’s some of what the letter calls for:

*Increase police foot and bike patrols and dedicated anti-crime teams.
*Implement a pilot ‘Hot Spots’ program.
*Officer Distribution [in problem areas].
* Legislative Tools for Arrest/Diversion.

All of those points are elaborated on, in the full letter – we didn’t receive it in a cut-and-paste-friendly format, so we can’t include the full text here, but you can read it as a PDF.

rewinn October 4, 2011 (1:20 pm)

I’d like to host a webcam to monitor our block, as a way to discourage the dropoff of stolen cars. However I’m not sure what technology to get or how to install. If the city could provide technical advice, this would be a very inexpensive way to improve security since we the block residents would buy & maintain the equipment … as sort of a super block watch. Can the city advise?

JD October 4, 2011 (2:37 pm)

Rewinn –

The Logitech WiLife (or MyLife) products include internet streaming and storage of video or pictures on the local computer. Easy to use and includes Motion Activation

good work October 4, 2011 (2:56 pm)

Excellent letter good job. We live in West Seattle and our neighborhood has been hit by a string of burglaries. My husband is an spd officer of the type mentioned as needed (ACT) and knowing his work well I can not agree more with what the citizens are asking for. These groups and bikes do great work on a regular basis. As does patrol I might add – as we have seen lately here too. There is a need for more officers its been a long time coming and a lot of years put off. The ‘baby boomer’ officers are going to mass retire and it will create a problem down the line. I’m very impressed with this group and their suggestions and I look forward to hearing the response. Thanks as a citizen of this community!

kgdlg October 4, 2011 (3:12 pm)

Believe it or not, I think there are a lot of restrictions to taping in the public right of way. When the SPD did this in Cal Anderson park a few years ago the ACLU threatened to sue, among others. It isn’t that straightforward. Sadly.

WSB October 4, 2011 (3:26 pm)

Legally: If you are in or visible from a public place, your IMAGE can be recorded without your knowledge or consent. It’s AUDIO RECORDING that must be disclosed. Whether it’s ethical, whole ‘nother issue … but that is the law as we know it (and both as an old-media manager and micro-media owner, it’s my job to keep up with it) … TR

Delridge Neighbor October 4, 2011 (11:38 pm)

At the risk of sounding like a dolt, what is “street disorder?”

westsea October 8, 2011 (8:49 am)

I had a brick hurled by a Madison Middle School student into my front door. I was very fortunate to get the name of the culprit from a few upright students who were walking behind the culprit and his group of friends who were cheering him on.

The incident was resolved with the parent of the child with Madison playing an assisting contact reference point. However, every school day since the incident a pack of students associated with the culprit who idolize his brick hurling ways walk past my home as raucously as they can muster. If I am in my front yard they make it a point to heckle about the brick incident and on other days they will harass one of their friends, usually a young girl, by pulling her to the ground and dishevelling her belongings on the sidewalk. I suggest this is some form of street disorder.

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