The beginning of 2003 has brought about some major changes in Crime Preventions services. These changes are a result of budget reductions and the creation of a new organizational model that emphasizes "neighborhood-based enforcement services" within Police Precincts.
Currently, seven Community Crime Prevention Coordinators are assigned to the Department's five Police Precincts (North, East, West, South and Southwest). There is no longer a central Crime Prevention Office within the Department. In the past Crime Prevention Coordinators were assigned to either residential or commercial crime prevention responsibilities. With the reduction in the number of Coordinators the responsibilities are more general and will include residential, emergency preparedness, special projects to be determined by the Precincts, and some commercial. Each Coordinator has responsibility for providing crime prevention services for either 1/2 of an entire Precinct (North and West) or an entire Precinct (South, Southwest & East).
The result of these changes is that the Department will not be able to provide the same level and variety of services it has in the past. The next page provides more specific information. If you have questions about these changes the Crime Prevention Coordinator for your area will be able to respond to them.
Despite these changes the Seattle Police Department is still committed to working with you (Block Captains) to strengthen your Block Watch. We also want to expand Block Watches understanding and participation in the emergency preparedness programs SDART (Seattle Disaster Aid and Response Teams). This will include both individual preparedness and neighborhood preparedness. We also want to increase your understanding of how to work with other City agencies. Many of the issues that blocks face must be directed to other City agencies because they are not in the purview of the police. We want to make sure you know how to access these services.
Even with all of these changes, it is important for you to know that Block Watch and your role as Block Captain continues to be an important part of Seattle's overall public safety.
Page 2
Page 3
As mentioned on the previous page the change in services available from the Community Crime Prevention Coordinator assigned to your area have been implemented because of the budget. While we recognize the importance of these services, staffing, budget reductions and expanded job duties of the Coordinators have led to the modification of services provided and the elimination of some services altogether. Listed below are some of these changes.
Over the years 684-7555 has been the number you called when you needed assistance in establishing your Block Watch or other crime prevention services. Beginning January 2003, all requests for services should now be made directly to the Community Crime Prevention Coordinator working in your area's Police Precinct. The telephone number for each Coordinator is on the map on the next page. The central number 684-7555 has been disconnected.
Sex Offender Notifications will no longer be mailed to you. All sex offender notifications will be sent bye-mail. If you are interested in continuing to receive this information, please complete the enclosed form and mail to the address on the form.
The "Seattle Safe and Sound" newsletter will no longer be produced. Crime statistics are available from the Seattle Police Department's web site. The web address is http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/ You will find a location on the page titled "Crime Data" click on this and you will find the available statistics.
We have always felt that having a current Block Map was, an important part of Block Watch and we encourage you to continue to update neighborhood maps on a regular basis. Unfortunately the Crime Prevention Coordinators can no longer update these maps for you. If we have a current block map for your block in our computer files and you would like a copy, please send your request to the Crime Prevention Coordinator assigned to your area and they will send you a copy bye-mail. E-mail addresses for each Coordinator are on the map located on the next page.
In the past we have always tried to have a Crime Prevention Coordinator coordinate and attend all Block Watch meetings. Under current staffing this will no longer be possible. If you are planning a meeting, contact the Coordinator for your area as early as possible. Coordinators may be able to provide technical assistance on setting up the meeting but may not be able to attend. If the meeting is being organized due to a crime related problem let the Coordinator know what is occurring. They may be able to assist you in getting an appropriate representative to talk about that specific problem.
This years NIGHT OUT Against Crime is on Tuesday, August 5th. We are going to try to find ways to continue participating in the national event. Information on NIGHT OUT will probably be posted on the Department's web site in June. Since there is not a budget for the event, materials will need to be printed from the web site.
Page 4
The preceding pages have explained many of the changes that are occurring in Crime Prevention services. One thing that will not change is our appreciation for all you have done over the years to support and keep your Block Watch active. The work you have done has been a critical component to public safety in Seattle. Our hope is that with the changes in services, you will continue to work with us and keep your Block Watch active.
As you have probably surmised from the preceding pages, a number of crime prevention services will be available via our Web site or through email. If you do not have access to these technologies, ask one of your neighbors who does, to help you out.
Seattle has always been recognized for its Crime Prevention program, with over 3,800 registered block watches citywide. Our goal is to keep those blocks active and to keep you involved with us. While our services will be different, we will provide as much support as we can to help you in this endeavor. If you find that you are no longer able to continue as a Block Captain, we would ask that you find a replacement in your block and pass that information onto the Crime Prevention Coordinator responsible for your geographic area. If you are unable to find a replacement, please pass that on as well.