Earlier this month it was revealed that the Seattle Police Department is only going to send officers to tripped security alarms if they get video, audio, panic alarms or eyewitness evidence. The new policy went into effect on October 1, 2024. The Seattle Police Department is also disbanding its mounted police unit downtown. The reason for the department’s change in policy and its disbandment of the mounted police unit is because of staffing issues.
The problem with the change in response time for alarms is that alarm companies weren’t given enough notice and thus don’t feel they were given enough time to change alarm systems in the Seattle area to comply with the requirement for evidence of a possible burglary. Additionally, upgrading systems could cost $5,000 for a small home, or $100,000 for a massive warehouse.
The new policy was literally sprung on citizens with little to no notice and without any input from citizens. The acting chief of police claims that reducing responses to false alarms will allow officers to respond more quickly to alarms for actual intrusions and other emergencies. The reality is, sadly, that until the City Council increases staffing limits and creates funding for the same, officers simply cannot handle all of the calls coming in, whether they are from tripped alarms or otherwise. Folks, to some degree, are – and will be – left to protect themselves.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
