The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is calling on residents and workers across the city to participate in a series of community-police dialogues as part of its innovative "Before the Badge" (BTB) training program. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve by facilitating direct engagement before recruits even begin their formal academy training.
Building Relationships from the Start
The Before the Badge program is a mandatory prerequisite for all new SPD recruits prior to their entry into the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy. The primary goal of these dialogues is to provide Seattle community members an opportunity to share their expectations for new officers and highlight specific concerns at the precinct and neighborhood levels.
These sessions are a key component of the Seattle Police Department's Micro-Community Policing Plans (MCPP), which focus on addressing hyper-local public safety issues through collaborative efforts. Organizers emphasize that this is a vital chance for the community to help recruits learn about the specific needs of the people they will eventually protect.
How to Get Involved
Seattle community members who live or work within the city are encouraged to sign up and share this opportunity with colleagues, family, and friends. To participate or to be added to the outreach list for future updates, individuals can reach out via the following channels:
For those who are already on the outreach list but wish to be removed, the department notes you can reply to their communications with "STOP" or "OPT OUT". By participating in these dialogues, community members play a direct role in shaping the perspectives of the next generation of Seattle's police force.
