White Center Storefront Deputy BJ Myers presented his monthly public safety recap to the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council on Feb. 3. Here are the details:

Robberies
Speaking on different robberies in the area, Myers said the suspects in a Jan. 11 liquor store robbery were identified and arrested thanks to surveillance camera footage. A deputy noticed one of the suspects walking in the area, Myers said, confronted him and was able to get a full confession.

In the Pawn Pros robbery on Jan. 24, where four men entered with a handgun and baseball bats, Myers said no arrests have been made but strong leads have been developed and detectives continue to investigate.

Homeless camp removed
A homeless camp near S.W. 100th St. near Greenbridge and Unity Village was recently broken up, according to Myers. King County Parks has plans to clean the area of garbage and camping debris left behind in addition to clearing the forested area of foliage to make the area less inviting in the future.

White Center bars
Papa’s Pub and DK’s Café and Bar, two White Center bars along 16th Ave S.W. that have come under public scrutiny – especially in the wake of their use as drug and gun dealing fronts uncovered in Operation Center of Attention – were also discussed.

Myers said he recently spoke with a Washington Liquor Control Board contact who said, while infractions continue to pile up for assaults on the premises and over-serving, the board is close to ending its review period (about a month away). Once that happens, Papa’s may face formal violations that could result in liquor license suspensions.

Myers said he has been working with the owner of DK’s Café and Bar to clean up the area, including the removal of vehicles and characters using the parking lot for purposes other than having a drink or some food at the bar.

Quiet streets
If you have noticed the streets of White Center are a a bit quieter recently, Myers said it may be due to a several people from the homeless population getting arrested, and some may be looking at a long stay behind bars.

Medical marijuana farmers' market
The North Highline Council asked about the Northwest Cannabis Market on 16th, a farmers' market model for medical marijuana patients. NHUAC President Barbara Dobkin said a neighboring business has complained several times about the wafting odor of marijuana smoke from the market into their business due to poor ventilation. There have also been reports, she said, of people smoking marijuana out front and behind the cannabis market. Myers said the business owners need to contact the Sheriff’s Office directly so they can investigate while smoking on the premises is happening. Additionally, Myers said based upon his interpretation of anti-smoking laws, patients should not be allowed to smoke inside the building.

New King County Sheriff’s Office staffing model in the works
The King County Sheriff’s Office is working towards a new staffing model for deputies patrolling unincorporated areas of the County, Myers said. His example: if an area of eastern King County is theoretically understaffed on a particular shift, they want to become more reactive in moving officers from another area (like North Highline) to where the need is greatest (although minimum staffing levels will be maintained in all areas). The move is partially grounded in a need to limit overtime pay, he said.

Public Safety Forum on Feb. 9
And finally, a reminder that the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council is hosting a Public Safety Forum on Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. at the North Highline Fire Station (1243 112th St. S.W. in White Center). Guest speakers will include KCSO Gang Unit Detective Joe Gagliardi (“one of the region’s foremost experts on criminal street gangs”) and Metro Transit Police Chief Lisa Mulligan. Block Watch program discussions and a forum with Deputy BJ Myers on how to keep White Center and North Highline safe are also planned.

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meets on the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., at the North Highline Fire Station (1243 112th St. S.W. in White Center).