law enforcement is complaint driven

[JoB]

When i stopped by community participation day, i spoke with one of the officers about the current problem at Westcrest Park.

I was there yesterday midafternoon and saw far more than i wanted of illegal sexual activity.

So i spoke to him about what could be done to make the park safer for the dog walkers who frequent the park.

He said that he would forward my complaint and they would put a bicycle patrol or two in the park.

it seems that enforcement is complaint driven… you don’t have to call 911 and you don’t have to make a formal complaint.. you just have to call them and let them know what you see.

I imagine their priorities are on high risk behavior… but complaints will get increased patrols in areas where illegal activity is reported.

it’s good to know we don’t have to call 911 or suffer the consequences of someone else’s illegal behavior to get results…

their appreciation day is open till 8..

today might be a good day to say hello and let them know what they are doing right..

and what you would like to see change to make ours a better community for all.

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[JimmyG]

I encourage anyone at Westcrest who is witnessing illegal activities of any kind to call 911 at the time. They will send officers on an area check and you don’t have to stick around and wait for the cops.

They may not respond ASAP, but the patrol officers working the area day after day, if they get sent to a specific place continually will put that area on their radar of places to patrol proactively when nothing else is going on.

(And big props to all of SPD.)

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[j]

Another good place to bring complaints up to officers is the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council monthly meeting. They usually have officers present to listen to your concerns.

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[JoB]

jimmyg..

i am always reluctant to call 911 to report crime that doesn’t endanger lives. they are short staffed like every other part of the police and fire departments.. and i would hate to be on line with a complaint when someone’s life was being threatened… any delay is too much when it comes to saving a life…

so i was glad to know that i didn’t have to go into the precinct and file a formal complaint to generate action.

spending 5 minutes to tell the person taking non-critical calls what we saw today is a very easy way to make our public spaces safer…

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[JimmyG]

911 is to report crimes in progress, not just crimes that endanger life. Under your plan I wouldn’t call 911 for a burglary in progress or a car prowl in progress because they’re property crimes.

When you call 911 and it’s not life-threatening they transfer you very fast to a secondary line where you make your report.

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[Anonymous]

JimmyG – I’ve called for non-life-threatening and it worked out very well. You are right, they do immediately transfer you to the appropriate people.

Twice I have had success doing this.

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[Author]

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