Councilmember Rob Saka leads Seattle’s pivot toward stronger, inclusive public safety systems with resolution emphasizing reform, support, and first responder empowerment

Seattle, Washington – The Seattle City Council has unanimously passed a resolution supporting a comprehensive approach to handling safety issues throughout Seattle, therefore significantly changing public safety there. Spearheaded by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, the resolution is a strong expression of the city’s dedication to improving safety for all citizens while acknowledging the continuous work to reform the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

Councilmember Saka expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their teamwork and underlined the importance of the resolution in opening the path for a future in which inclusive diverse public safety systems exist.

“This resolution is about the future of public safety in Seattle,” Saka stated.

He underlined the significance of arming first responders with the tools they need to properly assist the community and the crucial part they play. Instead of past “defund” promises, the resolution emphasizes a robust and well-supported public safety system.

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The resolution has wider consequences, including potentially removing the federal oversight that has been in place for more than ten years. Mayor Bruce Harrell pointed out that the resolution might result in the last resolution of the federal consent decree, a major milestone in the city’s attempts to create a responsive and responsible public safety system.

Emphasizing his dedication to ongoing cooperation with the City Council and public safety agencies to provide a safe environment for all Seattleites, Mayor Harrell stated that public safety stays his top priority.

Councilmember Bob Kettle of District 7, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, praised the resolution as a strategic commitment to enhancing safety citywide.

“Today’s approved resolution underscores this Council’s strategic commitment to improving public safety in our neighborhoods, in our various communities, and citywide,” Kettle said.

He praised the SPD’s reform initiatives and wished they would help to more address the Federal Consent Decree.

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Local first responders, including the Seattle Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local 27, also strongly supported the measure. Union president Lieutenant Kenny Stuart praised Councilmember Saka for his leadership and for bringing the resolution forward.

“Firefighters work hard day and night to keep our city and residents safe. This resolution announces that Seattle has moved away from the divisions of the past and we acknowledge the critical role that police and fire fighters have in our community,” Stuart said.

The approval of this resolution reflects a larger trend in Seattle toward public safety reform. The largest number since 2015, 14 items of transforming public safety-related legislation have been passed by the new City Council since taking office in 2024. This covers the SPD final legislation on crowd management guidelines recently approved, which added more control and responsibility by including blast ball use.

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Seattle might soon move to dissolve the federal consent decree if these policies are in line with best practices, therefore starting a new phase in its dedication to a safe, inclusive, and responsive public safety system.