The SunBreak » spd

Glimpses: “Old SPD car”

Chelsea — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:33 +0000

We do not know how long this vintage ride has been on the force, but can vouch for its existence, as our trip through downtown yesterday happened upon it in this exact same spot. Thanks to +Russ for having a camera at the ready when his sighting occurred. See any other unique vehicles around town? … Continue reading →

After Stabbing, Belltown Bar Puts Private Security on Foot Patrol

Michael van Baker — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:57:16 +0000

Belltown boulevardier Ronald Holden tips us that armed, private security guards will be patrolling First Avenue in Seattle, the three blocks from Battery to Lenora, after a recent fatal stabbing. "Seattle’s 25th homicide victim this year is identified," reported the Seattle Times.

Can Tim Burgess Help Seattle Police Take the Fight Out of Crime?

Michael van Baker — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:41:47 +0000

In Burgess's view, the primary goal is crime prevention--that is what gives people trust in their police. A crime, once it's occurred, has already damaged that trust. The citizen feels let down by police before they've even started investigating. Dante once called for a "new sweet style" that rigorously demonstrated the power of divine love; Burgess has in mind a new law enforcement philosophy that just as rigorously demonstrates the power of the idea of order.

Talking Crime Rates and Seattle Police Deportment

Michael van Baker — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:24:21 +0000

Columnist Danny Westneat had a much-maligned piece in the Seattle Times this week, where he "investigated" claims of depolicing--the idea is that, much like a 7-year-old who has been called onto the carpet, the Seattle Police Department is "showing you" by refusing to do anything but the necessary required to their jobs. It's an impression actually fostered by the head of the police union, who can't tell the difference between proactive policework and shooting a well-known public nuisance/wood carver to death in the street.