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Seattle committee advances ordinance to prioritize in-field diversion for low-level drug offenses
Summary
The Public Safety Committee voted 5-0 to recommend Council Bill 121248, which makes in-field prebooking diversion the city’s preferred response to low-level drug possession and adds reporting and operational clarifications; the bill moves to full council on Aug. 4.
The Seattle Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption of Council Bill 121248, an ordinance that makes in-field prebooking diversion the city’s preferred approach for some controlled-substance possession offenses and strengthens data and operational requirements.
Chair Robert Kettle moved the measure during the July 28 meeting, saying, “I move to recommend passage of council bill 1 2 1 2 4 8.” Central staff summarized the bill as changing the municipal code to “prioritize the use of infield prebooking diversion strategies through a warm handoff to an individual to LEAD outreach personnel.” Greg Doss, central staff, told the committee the ordinance does not preclude arrest or other officer discretion but sets a city preference for direct handoffs when appropriate.
Amendment 1, adopted by voice vote, clarified that a field-based diversion can include an in-precinct direct handoff, specified the recovery-service provider role consistent with state law (RCW 71.24.589), and made explicit that recovery providers must collect and maintain referral and outcome data. Amendment 2 requires SPD and diversion providers to report instances when officers request a field diversion and measure timely responses; Greg Doss noted SPD training has envisioned a roughly 30-minute response time. Amendment 3 recognizes officers’ authority, under state statute, to take individuals in severe crisis into custody for evaluation or stabilization where appropriate.
Supporters at the meeting said improved coordination matters. Sam Wolf of Purpose, Dignity, Action said the bill builds “coordination between law enforcement and diversion services.” SPD representatives emphasized that diversion is one tool among many and urged continued hiring to sustain proactive teams; SPD Chief of Patrol Operations Rob Brown described dedicated patrols in Little Saigon and 3rd Pike and Pine that work with LEAD in warm handoffs.
The committee’s recommendation passed 5-0; the bill with adopted amendments will be scheduled before the full City Council on Aug. 4. The ordinance includes reporting requirements intended to make referral, participation and outcome data accessible to policymakers.
