Police tower on the way, and other news from West Seattle Crime Prevention Council

The Seattle Police portable observation tower that drew a mixed reception elsewhere in the city will be deployed in West Seattle.

That’s what Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis told the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting last night.

The tower recently turned up in a Rainier Valley supermarket parking lot, but not for long. In West Seattle, police intend to use it in the expansive parking lots at Westwood Village and the Delridge Home Depot – both hot spots for theft, with strong-arm robberies also a problem at the former. Capt. Davis said the tower, sold as SkyWatch, will be backed by emphasis teams on the ground including the bicycle squad. No time frame yet.

Also at the lightly attended (five members of the general public) meeting:

CRIME TRENDS: Rising temperatures have been accompanied by rising crime rates, though overall, Capt. Davis said, they’re still down from the same time a year earlier. Besides the aforementioned Westwood efforts, he and operations commander Lt. Steve Strand will be planning emphasis patrols for other hot spots, as defined in large part by data. One new twist: Collaboration with the state Department of Corrections as, Capt. Davis noted, many of the people the police come in contact with are on parole (“community custody”) and not willing to risk being sent back to prison. He said it’s been effective in other precincts.

RECENT CASES: The shooting in South Park the previous night is considered possibly gang-related, Capt. Davis said. That led to a question about last month’s South Delridge shooting. That remains under investigation, he said, challenging because the victim had not wanted to cooperate with investigators.

The night’s special guest:

INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN: SPD’s Kelly Crouch had advice for how to protect kids from becoming victims of online predators. She talks to kids and teens too and says one important thing she explains is how “sexting” or taking provocative selfies can lead to trouble, either with predators, or even with the law. For parents, she advises talking with your kids as early as possible, and looking at their phones, to remain vigilant. If you suspect your child is in danger and something’s happening right now, call 911; you can also access reporting resources via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which has a Cyber TipLine. Kids and teens also can report directly, and Crouch said that’s vital so they can do it without fear of embarrassment or shaming.

The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meets third Tuesdays most months, 7 pm at the SW Precinct.

Ryan Griffiths April 17, 2019 (12:33 pm)

I would love to see data on the effectiveness of these “towers” which seem to me to do little to deter and do a lot to make a lot of people feel unsafe and unwelcome, particularly black and brown folks. These towers were run out of South Seattle by folks critical of the police state and systemic racism that these towers represent. As someone who lives in Westwood, across the street from the QFC there, I certainly do not want this tower in my community. I also have deep concerns about the tower placement at Home Depot, which is a gathering place for folks to find work.

Hmm April 17, 2019 (1:31 pm)

It sounds like you’re just anti-police in general. Do you have an alternative proposal for increasing the safety of these areas? I hear your concern for potentially making certain races “uncomfortable” (which is a questionable assumption) and but concern for the safety of ALL people using these lots. How can we help solve the latter?
Hmm April 17, 2019 (1:33 pm)

I should add I’m not a huge fan of the tower myself, as it screams “high crime zone!!” but honestly we need ideas for how to make these areas safer that are within the ability of a limited police force.
Dawson April 17, 2019 (2:46 pm)

How does adding a tower in the Home Depot parking lot increase police presence, especially with the SW precinct right there? It seems community patrols would maybe be more effective.
- CMT April 18, 2019 (1:18 pm)
  
  The purpose of the police precinct building is for employees to go into and work, not to serve as an observation point, as opposed to a tower, the purpose of which is observation.
prayforrain April 17, 2019 (2:46 pm)

I’m good with West Seattle being the guinea pig if data on the effectiveness of police towers needs to be collected. But this is not all that different than having a few cop cars parked in the parking lot. It’s just more visible and gives the officers a better vantage point. And the enhanced presence probably serves as a deterrent. Not a big deal. Let’s see what happens.
Darryll April 17, 2019 (2:51 pm)

Ryan, please excuse my ignorance on this. :) Can you explain how a tower is racist toward specific skin tones? It’s not inherently clear to me. Thanks !
- A April 17, 2019 (5:29 pm)
  
  No need for him to explain Darryll. He just clearly doesn’t like the police. I’m glad they are trying the tower at Westwood and hope it will deter the rampant crime that goes on there. Multiple times in the last couple months I have witnessed shoplifting at different stores there and there are always sketchy people in these stores. I feel bad for the people working at these stores that they have to be exposed to these criminals. An increased police presence at Westwood is much needed and will make us non criminals feel safe and increase business there
- Ryan April 17, 2019 (5:54 pm)
  
  The tower itself is not racist, but the giant phallic police symbol present in communities can make members of groups that have harmful and hurtful history (and present) relationships with the police feel unwelcome and vulnerable in places where the police have quite literally set up camp.
  - Darryll’s April 17, 2019 (6:09 pm)
    
    Hmm. I’m still confused. Are you saying it’s racist toward brown and black people because it’s shape reminds some people of a phallus? Or is it not that racist, but still a bit sexually aggressive? Or is it just sitting there judging people?
- Peter April 17, 2019 (6:48 pm)
  
  The police are extremely racist and they do target minorities. That is a fact. This is another way for the them to antagonize and persecute non-whites. That is a fact.
  - WW Resident April 17, 2019 (8:17 pm)
    
    I’ll be sure to let Police Chief Carmen Best and Southwest Precinct Captain Davis know how racist they are and it is a FACT

Jim P. April 17, 2019 (12:47 pm)

Certainly won’t hurt to increase some sort of security in Westwood. I never see police on patrol and only a couple of “mall cop” type security usually standing someplace quiet and out of the way and texting on their phones apparently oblivious to the world.With as many stores closed/closing as there are, the place risks turning into a magnet for the homeless and gangs spilling over from the park just south on Barton.Be nice if they expand any patrolling to the many bus stops in the area. It’s getting too common to be hassled or panhandled or have to work around some passed out bum taking up the few benches to be found at stops these days. (I need to sit or there’s a lot pf pain involved in just standing.)

Brenda April 17, 2019 (1:11 pm)

Yes! We need more police!This is an excellent plan!!!

West Seattleite April 17, 2019 (1:26 pm)

I think this is a great thing for west seattle given the high amount of crime we see on a weekly basis. Not sure why “black” or “brown” folk would feel uncomfortable with it as another commenter posted. Police presence should make people feel a sense of comfort, not fear. Their issue should be with the ignorance and hate from society in general, not the police force who are risking their lives to protect us or a community who just want to feel safe and protected. I know this is not an easy thing to swallow given the ongoing and historical hate crimes done to those who are black or brown but we as a society should try to move forward in a diverse city that is working to change the world for the better. As far as home depot placement, those who are looking to find work can seek employment in more ways than sitting on the side of the road. A tower to protect the community definitely would take priority over people seeking to work, many of them illegally as I know first hand.

Marty April 17, 2019 (1:35 pm)

I’ll bet that the people who complain about these towers would change their tune as soon as they become a crime victim. Are you satisfied with things the way they are? We need to try something different if we want different results.

KM April 17, 2019 (2:37 pm)

As a crime victim, I strongly disagree with your statement. I am disappointed to see these towers in West Seattle.
- A April 17, 2019 (5:37 pm)
  
  I am disappointed in what Westwood has turned into. So much crime and so many derelicts hanging out there. If you have a better alternative to the towers please suggest it but something needs to be done or more businesses will leave and Westwood will be overrun by criminals and vagrants. I’ll take a tower over that any day of the week

jsparra April 17, 2019 (1:38 pm)

Yes Please!

dsa April 17, 2019 (1:54 pm)

I think their obvious presence could reduce crime while they are there and that is about it. They would be less conspicuous if they monitored from a building rooftop.

ARPigeonPoint April 17, 2019 (2:03 pm)

These were placed in hot spots when I lived in New Orleans and I loved them. As Marty said, wait until you’re a crime victim. You’ll understand then. Glad to see them being deployed here.

Trevor April 17, 2019 (2:16 pm)

Not sure why any particular groups would feel uncomfortable around these towers. Won’t they help to reduce car thefts from all people’s cars regardless of race/creed/income? Which I would think all people would welcome.

Peter April 17, 2019 (2:23 pm)

It’s sad how many people have been conditioned into accepting living in a police state under the guise of public safety despite crime rates being near all time lows.

Jethro Marx April 17, 2019 (2:37 pm)

You’re going to have to define what you think a ‘police state’ looks like, in practice. Like what we have now? Or like, some wacky movie plot or conspiracy theory?
Swede. April 17, 2019 (5:08 pm)

Definitely NOT an ‘all time low’. Violent crime is down yes, but theft, burglary and residential crime is WAY up. SPD have very good statistics available online you can look at.
- WaR April 17, 2019 (7:05 pm)
  
  False. Look it up for yourself here: https://www.seattle.gov/police/information-and-data/crime-dashboardproperty crime peaked in 2014.

West Seattle Hipster April 17, 2019 (2:38 pm)

Anybody claiming Seattle is a “police state” clearly hasn’t lived here for the past 10 years. Weak city leadership has effectively neutered SPD and criminals are exploiting the situation. I am all in favor of these towers, but I was unaware that the Home Depot was a crime hot spot. Are there statistics that show how much and how frequent crimes occur there?

john April 17, 2019 (2:42 pm)

No one has mentioned that Home Depot is next door to the SPD Precinct. Having constant police presence has not deterred shoplifters or parking lot crimes. The towers need to be occupied by an officer and additional officers must be available to respond. With at least two SPD officers present, would it be more effective to simply have them walking beats? Since these locations are on private property, it would behove Home Depot and Westwood Village to install video surveillance of their parking lots.

Seventh Son April 17, 2019 (3:07 pm)

Bring on the towers. I really hope they do make some people very uncomfortable! Specifically, car prowlers, shoplifters, and other thieves, regardless of color. I’m not sure why someone had to bring color into it at all. As a person with non-white ancestors, let me say this isn’t about color – it’s about reducing crime and about protecting law-abiding people. I respect the law, other people and their property, so I have nothing to fear from the police. The towers aren’t going to turn us into a police state – they’re going to help us avoid living in the Purge movies!

JS April 18, 2019 (9:32 am)

Oh, a person with non-white ancestors! Finally someone with authority on the subject.Are YOU white or white presenting? If so do not speak for BIPOC folks.
- Seventh Son April 18, 2019 (3:18 pm)
  
  I don’t know if you’re a BIPOC or not – it doesn’t matter to me and I love you as a fellow human, either way – but I’m disappointed you seem to have assumed that someone who disagrees with you must “present” as white. Those kinds of assumptions keep us from making progress. I fit in multiple minority categories, race being only one of several, and I don’t “present” as anything other than me. I was speaking for myself and certainly didn’t intend to suggest that I speak for you. For me this issue is about reducing crime and keeping our neighborhood a safer place for all of us, regardless of color. I’ve had uncomfortable encounters with police officers, despite having never committed a crime and having done nothing to reasonably attract their attention, but I still choose, respect and value a law enforcement presence in my community, rather than letting the criminals have free run of West Seattle just so I don’t ever have to encounter a police officer doing his or her job. Peace to you.

Dan April 17, 2019 (3:42 pm)

Thank you, SPD! You are welcome to put a police tower anywhere and everywhere. I hate reading comments about how police towers make people feel “uncomfortable.” This is such nonsense. Maybe these folks should start obeying the law, and encourage others in their ‘community’ to obey the law, they would have nothing to worry about.

Jort April 17, 2019 (5:11 pm)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panopticon

Mickymse April 17, 2019 (5:16 pm)

What a great opportunity to point out how White Privilege actually plays out in the way people (innocently) go about their thinking and their perspective…So, WHY in the world would non-White people here in Seattle have a problem with these “towers”?Google “prison tower” and compare the images to the picture of SkyWatch. If you are “black or brown” you are far more likely to have been jailed by our criminal justice system or to have had a relative or friend jailed. Looking at these towers can bring back memories of such things.But wait, you say… It’s not our responsibility if folks are triggered by consequences of their bad behavior. I’ll leave aside arguments here about the inequities and literally false imprisonments that are more likely to happen to non-White folks in America, and point out the innocent survivors of internment camps. Again, go right ahead and Google “Japanese internment camp tower” or “concentration camp tower,” and you’ll see similarities that make some of our neighbors feel extremely uncomfortable trying to do something as simple as going grocery shopping.Does that mean we shouldn’t deploy this solution? Not necessarily… But should we ask if their benefits outweigh their negatives? Should we ask ourselves if there are other equally successful ways to accomplish better public safety?

Ryan April 17, 2019 (6:12 pm)

A voice of reason.
HappyOnAlki April 17, 2019 (7:23 pm)

Yes, thank you for the voice of reason.
kim April 17, 2019 (9:17 pm)

Thank you. So well said.
- Petr April 18, 2019 (4:06 am)
  
  I’m half brown and half black….I don’t see how this is white privilege or how these towers are racist. The towers would not make me uncomfortable. We not to stop crying racism as a default. Understand there are some bad apples, but they are human too and make mistakes. In 2019 most police are not out just looking to throw us minorities behind bars, they are merely doing their jobs, like you or me.
WW Resident April 18, 2019 (4:56 am)

Well said? Hardly. What a stretch that the towers act like some prison PTSD triggers. And who would they have triggered then BTW? Criminals!You lump all “black and brown” people into this ridiculous theory that they’ll feel uncomfortable with these towers due to association with prison towers as if just by the association of the color of their skin they’ll somehow experience this prison PTSD through social osmosis. That is actually insulting to people of color. Then you throw in the platitude of white privelege as if white people haven’t been to prison (if we’re even going to accept your ridiculous theory). Considering that males far outweigh females as far as far as prison populations, should we talk about female privelege in this context then? And then you bring up Japanese internment camps and imply that somehow this is stress on their psyche? My wife is Japanese. Her family is (obviously) Japanese. She has lots of friends who are Japanese. I even know an older gentleman who was in the internment camps when he was a child. I know ALOT of Japanese people and NOT ONE of them expresses any kind of distress to the tower in the SODO area.
JS April 18, 2019 (9:36 am)

Thank you. I get quite discouraged with my community seeing comment threads like these.To everyone else- it is not a personal attack on you to point out that BIPOC have different lived experiences than white people. Try listening to them and considering them rather than being offended.

WsR April 17, 2019 (5:29 pm)

“Why are black and brown people afraid of the police!?”Is a sure sign you don’t talk to very many black and brown people.

Ryan April 17, 2019 (6:07 pm)

Thank You.
Darryll April 17, 2019 (6:45 pm)

We should ask SPD Chief Best and SW Precinct Captain Davis to do more to consider the feelings of brown people. They clearly have no ideas about that.
- JS April 18, 2019 (9:37 am)
  
  Systemic issues like these are bigger than 1 person, believe it or not.

Ryan April 17, 2019 (6:04 pm)

The balance of comments here make me really disappointed to be a West Seattle Resident tonight. The amount of folks with a complete lack of analysis about how people with certain identities might feel unsafe by this type of police presence is shocking to me. A little self awareness about how your own identity might impact how you perceive an action like this might make the world a bit better. If police want to have increased presence by patrolling and building relationships with folks in this community, then I am all for it, but this tower is absolutely not the answer.

HappyOnAlki April 17, 2019 (7:25 pm)

Hear, hear!
Rr April 18, 2019 (7:55 am)

I’m a law abiding brown person who appreciates the police in our community. I’ve also been a victim of crime who received respectful police assistance, stereotypes are so unhelpful.

Lagartija Nick April 17, 2019 (7:26 pm)

It is very sad but not at all surprising that some of my white neighbors here in West Seattle have “no idea” why their black and brown neighbors would be uncomfortable with this. This is a perfect example of what white privilege looks like.

Darryll April 17, 2019 (8:16 pm)

You have “the sight!” Able to deduce “race” by reading comments.
A April 17, 2019 (9:28 pm)

Who said we are white? You’re making assumptions based on comments and throwing people into the white crowd if they are in favor of the towers/police presence. That in and of itself is racist and is the exact thing you claim to be against yet it’s ok if you are racist against white people. Quite a double standard there if you ask me
- Lagartija Nick April 18, 2019 (10:18 am)
  
  Pointing out that racism exists isn’t racist. Stop using that canard.
  - WW Resident April 19, 2019 (2:23 am)
    
    Maybe when you stop using it Nick. Yes racism exists and it exists within every race, not just one
Seriously? April 17, 2019 (11:26 pm)

Seriously? This has NOTHING to do with white privelege. The tower is to help reduce crime. It’s that simple. There is no alterior motive. The police aren’t thinking “let’s put a tower up to scare all the black and brown people”. They are trying to do their jobs without ignorant commenters accusing them of racism and white privilege. Please. Have some respect for your police force. Have some respect for your neighbors who are tired of their community being robbed of their belongings and their peace. Thank you SPD for all that you do!
- Lagartija Nick April 18, 2019 (10:08 am)
  
  Re-read my comment. I didn’t say the tower was an example of white privilege, I said having “no idea” why POC would be upset by the tower was an example of white privilege.
  - Darryll April 18, 2019 (8:57 pm)
    
    Categorizing peoples’ world view by race seems to be, well, racist.
Lagartija Nick April 18, 2019 (10:32 am)

I have read several articles about this tower. Most recently it was at the Safeway on Rainier, before that it was in South Park and SODO. Now Westwood Village and Delridge. What do all of these locations have in common? Does crime not happen north of downtown? Of course the tower itself isn’t racist but the sighting of it might be. Ignoring that is white privilege. Furthermore, in article about the Safeway location it was pointed out that that location was the most frequent call out for SPD in the south precinct but only the 9th most frequent call out city wide. Why were the other 8 crime hotspots skipped in favor of the Safeway sight? Why has it only been used south of downtown? The optics of these choices are what is troubling.

Joanne M Simpson April 17, 2019 (7:29 pm)

I first saw one of these in a crowded mall parking lot in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and thought it a brilliant idea. Still feel the same way now.

A April 17, 2019 (9:35 pm)

Brilliant unless you are a criminal. It’s always the go to of people who are up to no good to say the police are picking on them when the police have a good idea that will deter crime and catch criminals in the act. If you are following the law and going to Westwood to shop then you should have no issue with the police presence. I welcome it with open arms because I know the more the cops are there, the less the criminals will find Westwood a desirable place to prey on the people and businesses there

M April 17, 2019 (7:45 pm)

I just saw one of those towers today at the Home Depot in SODO. First time I have seen a tower.

Tim April 17, 2019 (7:51 pm)

I’ve only been asked for “dates” in the parking lot at Homedepot. Never been threatened. Plus I don’t leave anything tempting in my truck. One time in the store I was asked if I was married and would consider “dating”. Suprised but not scared.

Mariem April 17, 2019 (9:12 pm)

White privilege. ’nuff said.

Sigh April 17, 2019 (9:21 pm)

It’s weird to me that after all the panic about parking in every thread about development, no one here has pointed out that this stupid tower will be taking up needed parking in two lots that are always jam-packed at peak hours. My car won’t get prowled with the dumb tower deployed because I won’t be able to find a parking spot. *grumble*

WSB April 17, 2019 (9:28 pm)

Westwood Village has 1,000 parking spots, according to a recent application for some resurfacing. The captain pointed out that this will use a couple at most.
Jort April 18, 2019 (11:47 am)

If you are concerned about no parking at Westwood Village, let me give you some solid reassurance that there has never been a time in the entire recorded history of Westwood Village that literally every single parking space has been occupied. Like, ever.

Huck April 17, 2019 (10:12 pm)

Put the tower in front of my house! I want to make every criminal feel uncomfortable regardless of color. I’ll even clear a spot for it.

mariem April 17, 2019 (10:26 pm)

well said

Tanya Powers April 17, 2019 (11:06 pm)

Oh, that all terrain scout transport will give us that Star Wars vibe that West Seattle really needs.

pjmanley April 18, 2019 (12:24 am)

Reading these comments leads me to but one conclusion: Damned if you do. Damned if you don’t.

Nobody April 18, 2019 (12:42 am)

Those towers are an interesting concept. Something that seems like it would be a good innovation would be to allow them to have cameras, but only allow recording while they’re actively staffed, so that officers on duty can verify and demonstrate their other perceptions with evidence potentially helpful to prosecution. The ambiguousness of whether the tower is staffed or unstaffed can be left in play and would even be enhanced.Admittedly, I only just learned there are local restrictions on surveillance cameras through this channel, and I find it rather a privilege to know I live in an area that is not all-watched. We are not kobolds, to be treated as little lawbeasts with evil souls restrained by close surveillance, but rather we are equal participants in an advanced society. Restrictions on security cameras are a part of that which perhaps shouldn’t be given up too readily. All hail low crime rates! We can keep the more invasive anti-crime technologies in reserve for their moments of true necessity.

Rick S April 18, 2019 (1:46 am)

I don’t care if your brown, black, yellow, white, green, purple. The towers are meant to intimidate citizens, not criminals. Criminals aren’t going to care that there may, or may not, be in a officer in a box 25′ off the ground. It’s not like she/he will climb down and chase the suspect down. The tower isn’t policing. The tower is a police state tactic. Crime happens. Always has, always will. But how many rights will we sign away for the false sense that nothing bad will ever happen. As Reagan said, the worst about the government is that they’re here to help. Police towers are endless surveillance of innocent citizens. How many crimes have the towers prevented? Interrupted?If the tower was effective at preventing, interrupting crime, they’d have stats to support the tower’s presence. They don’t. Why aren’t they in QA, or SLU, Magnolia? This is just another example of local police agencies being militarized against the citizenry, the less wealthy.

Stan Guy April 18, 2019 (10:07 am)

Thank you! The people who rally behind the police every time someone levels completely justified criticisms against them, and who want police to always be within sight to intimidate our fellow citizenry, are basically cheering for a fascist police state. The police are a structurally racist institution, regardless of the skin color of the people put in charge, and you can be certain that police tower will discourage marginalized/undocumented people from looking for work in the Home Depot parking lot.
Lagartija Nick April 18, 2019 (10:11 am)

Exactly right.

CMT April 18, 2019 (9:49 am)

I wholeheartedly agree that our criminal justice system has suffered from both explicit and implicit racial bias which needs to be corrected. But I don’t think that correcting that bias should be achieved by failing to (evenhandedly) enforce the laws. I support implementing measures to deter crime and if this tower will do so, great. And when crime occurs, justice should be administered evenhandedly.

DRW April 18, 2019 (12:14 pm)

Im ALL for it!

CLM April 18, 2019 (6:10 pm)

I wish they’d put a tower in the Walgreens parking lot on 35th and Morgan. Always drug deals and loitering there. Not to mention the place looks trashed!! City counsel could care less!! I’ve sent so many emails!!!

WestCoastNomad April 18, 2019 (10:54 pm)

WSB, is there an official way West Seattlelites can give the SPD feedback on this idea or is already a done deal? Thanks!

WSB April 18, 2019 (11:12 pm)

It’s not up for a vote or anything like that but everything’s always open to feedback. The meeting this story is about is a vastly underutilized monthly opportunity to talk with police in person, for example. They’ll also be at the Block Watch Captains Network meeting next Tuesday as usual. Otherwise: https://www.seattle.gov/police/about-us/contact-us

AV April 19, 2019 (10:20 am)

We don’t want the police tower, which resembles a prison tower, in Seattle and specifically in South Seattle. We believe it’s use is fascist and based on ourhistory of racism on the police force, the tower will likely be used to target people of color. If you use it at all,dare to put it in Westlake Center or University Village. Surveillance of our citizenry should not be tolerated, as we are not prisoners. Tell Safeway and Home Depot, to hire security for their customers.

CJ April 19, 2019 (12:26 pm)

In addition to the absolutely valid race analysis some folks are trying to explain, and not wanting my home to feel like an authoritarian police state, I think it’s also worth noting that this is an absurd misuse of resources. These towers are designed for major emergency situations and crowd management events where the police actually need a high vantage point that does not exist and to create a temporary landmark for people to find. They are not designed to replace day-to-day community policing. Not only is this an exceptionally lazy choice of SPD, but it’s actually endangering the city as a whole. If we were to suffer a major earthquake, riot, or other event where they needed these towers, rather than have them in central locations ready for transport, they will have to spend precious time racing to Westwood to dismantle and get this thing relocated. You want cameras? Install more cameras. You want faster response? Have more officers on patrol in the neighborhood. You want to enhance the overall safety of the neighborhood? Have the police actually develop relationships with people who live and work here. You want fewer homeless folks feeling so desperate that they resort to shoplifting? Let’s address the horrific income inequality and housing crisis of this city. There’s no crime occurring in this neighborhood that will be solved by this stupid tower.

pjmanley April 19, 2019 (6:36 pm)

77 fiery conclusions about the wickedness or non-wickedness of these towers! Evidence to support those conclusions? None. Anyone see the problem here?

CoolBreeze April 19, 2019 (8:12 pm)

A police tower? Why on earth does Westwood Village need a police tower? While not a perfect, crimeless enclave, I’ve lived within a stone’s throw of Westwood Village for over 20 years and have never felt any less safe here than I have in any other part of West Seattle. Let me tell you what will make me feel unsafe and unwelcome at our neighborhood shopping center though. Walking around in the shadow of a police tower. As soon as I heard of it, I thought of prison camps. Feel free to increase cops walking the beat if you feel you must, but the introduction of a tower is an insult to our neighborhood and it’s very presence will only reinforce the notion that it’s a more dangerous place than it really is. This is an absolutely absurd idea, a terrible waste of money and a frightening harbinger of things to come if this is allowed to become the norm.

Sorry, comment time is over.