The first night of the joint effort between the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Parks Department was uneventful. But the embryonic program has been put on pause after a single night since the use of funds for the purpose must be approved by the Seattle City Council, which is in the middle of a series of meetings in preparation for budget rebalancing and as possible major cut in various parts of the Seattle Police Budget. 

Southwest Precinct Commander Kevin Grossman offered his perspective on the first night noting that the patrol is currently paused pending approval by the City Council:

Good morning Alki Neighbors,

I heard from the officers who worked the Alki/Don Armeni emphasis last night that the operation went smoothly.  This was the update I received from the supervisor on scene: “Overall this was a successful venture.  Beach-goer numbers were fewer tonight than Friday and Saturdays, and most were receptive to the organized closure.  I counted six beach fires that were voluntarily extinguished on the initial 30-minute warning pass that was conducted at 2100hrs.  The Ambassadors ran into a few groups that required Police to be in the area to gain their understanding of the closure but we had few issues beyond that. The Park Ranger stayed until approx. 22:45hrs and finished locking up Don Armeni Boat Launch on his way out.”

Unfortunately, we ran into a roadblock that may ultimately prevent us from continuing the SPD/Parks combined Alki emphasis: I learned yesterday that any movement of funds from one city agency (e.g., Parks) to another (e.g., SPD) requires city council approval.  So until that issue is resolved, the dedicated Alki emphasis patrols will be paused.  This is a disappointing development--both for my officers and for the neighborhood.  In the meantime, I have directed that our available on-duty resources conduct patrols on Alki when not otherwise committed to 911 calls or the demonstrations downtown/on Capitol Hill.