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Public Safety Committee backs resolution reaffirming standards for non-city law enforcement
Summary
The Seattle Public Safety Committee voted 5-0 to recommend Resolution 32,193, which urges non-city law enforcement operating in Seattle to follow Seattle Police Department standards on identification, medical aid and stops, and directs reporting and documentation of professionalism concerns; the referral goes to the full City Council on March 3.
The Seattle Public Safety Committee on Feb. 24 recommended adoption of Resolution 32,193, a statement of expectations for law enforcement conduct by non-city agencies operating in Seattle.
Thomaso Johnson, Council Central Staff, told the committee the measure "articulates the desire of the city to have any non city law enforcement activities occurring within Seattle adhere to legal and professional standards in line with city values and policies that govern the Seattle Police Department." The resolution lists specific expectations including visible identification, use of face coverings, rendering medical aid and procedures for stops and detentions.
Sponsor Chair Robert Kettle said the resolution is intended as a leadership statement that aligns with legal guidance from the City Attorney's Office and in-house counsel. "This bill is a resolution...it's about showing leadership," Kettle said, and urged the public to review the text and consider it alongside related council bills.
Councilmembers who spoke in support highlighted documentation provisions and the measure's role in signaling city values. After brief discussion, the committee took a roll-call vote: five ayes, none opposed. The committee's recommendation will be transmitted to the full City Council for consideration at its March 3 meeting.
What the resolution does and does not do: The adopted committee recommendation is a non-regulatory resolution that affirms expectations and directs city reporting and documentation; it does not by itself change Seattle Municipal Code or create new enforcement powers. The central staff summary and sponsor remarks noted the resolution was drafted with legal counsel to limit exposure to identified legal risks.
Next steps: The committee's recommendation will be included on the City Council agenda on March 3, where the full council will decide whether to adopt the resolution as its policy statement.
