Seattle City Council members were urged to reconsider the Seattle Police Department's alarm response policy during a meeting on December 3, 2024. Security industry professionals Ashley Barber and Bethany Burton highlighted significant concerns regarding the policy, which they argue was implemented without adequate input from the community or industry experts. They emphasized that the policy relies on flawed data and disproportionately affects marginalized communities, forcing residents to invest in costly technology upgrades to ensure police response to alarm events.

Barber pointed out that many burglaries, even when verified, receive no police response, leaving victims to cope with the aftermath alone. She called for collaboration between the security industry and the police department to develop a more effective approach that utilizes limited police resources while ensuring public safety.

Burton echoed these sentiments, stating that the verified response policy has left many homeowners and businesses feeling increasingly unsafe. She criticized the shift of responsibility for alarm responses onto residents, questioning whether it is appropriate for taxpayers to handle potentially dangerous situations alone. Both professionals expressed a willingness to work with the city council and police department to improve the policy and enhance public safety.

In addition to the alarm response discussions, the meeting also addressed concerns regarding the Seattle City Attorney's office and its handling of a judge's competency. A public commenter raised issues about a press release disqualifying Judge Pooja Vidadi from hearing criminal cases, alleging that it contained false statements about a specific case. This raised questions about the integrity of the city attorney's office and its impact on the judicial system.

As the council prepares to vote on the 2025 state legislative priorities, the discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing challenges in balancing public safety with effective resource management. The implications of these decisions will be closely watched by community members and stakeholders in the coming months.