The Seattle City Council is considering a resolution to reverse police defunding.
Seattle councilmember Rob Saka recently introduced a resolution that seeks to end “any prior commitments or pledges to defund or abolish SPD services or personnel which led to the resignation of hundreds of police officers.”
“The City recognizes that an effective, professional, and community-trusted police service that upholds the dignity and value of every person and holds offenders accountable is an essential function of city government,” the resolution states.
Other measures in the resolution include appreciating first responders, supporting and equipping first responders, diversifying the public safety response system, and reforming the police department.
“This Council, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office has made improving public safety an absolute priority,” Saka said in a press statement. “This is finally the time to acknowledge the lessons of the past and pivot decisively toward a better, future-focused public safety model. We are committed to making everyone in our community feel safe and to enhancing our accountability system.”
Mayor Bruce Harrell said, in part, that “Seattle’s first responders do amazing and heroic work every day to save lives, stop and solve crimes, and ensure people in crisis get the help and support they need.”
“I join the City Council in celebrating the dedication and hard work of our public safety professionals and in recognizing the importance of a diversified emergency response system,” Harrell stated. “I look forward to working with our police department, accountability partners, and Council members as we move to finalize requirements under the consent decree.”
