Seattle briefing previews chief of police confirmation, EMS levy vote and rising local shootings

Seattle councilmembers at the June 9 briefing previewed public safety items scheduled for committee and full council, including a time‑sensitive EMS levy measure, the scheduled confirmation of the next police chief, and continuing attention to recent shootings in city parks and neighborhoods.

The councilmember chairing public safety said tomorrow’s committee will start with the EMS levy and described it as "time sensitive," noting members have already received briefings. The chair also listed other committee items including an update on STAR‑chase and the chief of police confirmation; members were asked to review the chief’s written responses to questions ahead of that meeting.

Several councilmembers reported community meetings where gun violence and shootings had been raised repeatedly. One councilmember said the North Precinct reported two shootings at Magnuson Park over the weekend and an additional shooting in the University District; the councilmember said the precinct is working despite staffing challenges and pledged to communicate details to constituents when SPD provides them.

At a neighborhood meeting, a resident asked why council had not funded ShotSpotter; the briefing clarified that council had approved a suite of technologies but had not implemented every component due to cost concerns. The mayor’s office chief public safety officer also reportedly discussed an upcoming real‑time crime center.

The public safety committee chair urged colleagues to review materials and attend the confirmation proceeding, saying: “Please review and, ahead of that and ask questions. And as I mentioned, everybody's, committee member or not is welcome to attend.” No committee votes were taken during the briefing. The chief of police confirmation and EMS levy actions are scheduled for committee and subsequent council consideration.