Seattle council member Rob Saka has officially declared the “defund the police” movement a failure with his new resolution that completely reverses the city’s previous anti-police stance, acknowledging the devastating impact these policies had on public safety.
Key Takeaways
- Resolution 32167 explicitly reverses previous commitments to defund or abolish Seattle police, acknowledging these statements caused officer departures and division.
- Seattle lost over 134 police officers by October 2020 following the city council’s initial support for defunding the police by 50% in July 2020.
- The resolution aims to support first responders, ensure accountability, and promote diversified safety strategies while working with Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office.
- Seattle has already begun reversing the trend of officer loss with 84 successful hires in 2024 and a 23% pay increase to address recruitment challenges.
- This dramatic policy shift comes after years of rising crime rates following the “defund” movement that gained traction after George Floyd’s death in 2020.
A Complete Reversal of Failed Policies
Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka’s Resolution 32167 marks a definitive end to the city’s experiment with defunding police. The resolution explicitly “reverses any prior commitment or pledge by past councils to defund or abolish the police.” Saka didn’t mince words about the damage done by those earlier policies, noting, “We know that these statements were routinely cited by departing police personnel as a reason for leaving. We also know that they are very divisive.”
The resolution acknowledges the failure of the defund movement and emphasizes support for first responders while addressing the needs of underserved communities. It calls for appreciating first responders, ensuring police accountability, developing diversified public safety responses, and making progress under the federal Consent Decree that had previously placed the department under oversight.
The Devastating Impact of the Original Defund Movement
In July 2020, amid nationwide protests following George Floyd’s death, the Seattle City Council initially backed a proposal to slash police funding by 50%. They subsequently approved reducing the police department by approximately 100 officers through layoffs and attrition. The consequences were swift and severe. By October 2020, Mayor Jenny Durkan’s office reported that 134 officers had already left the force, with 23 departing in a single month.
“Amid violent, nationwide uprisings and protests against police officers, Democrat Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s office stated that 134 officers have left the city’s police force as of October 31. Last month alone, 23 officers left their positions at the department” – Source
The defund movement in Seattle saw limited implementation, with some initiatives reversed or never enacted. The CARE Department, created after the 2020 protests as an alternative response option, received only $30 million compared to the Seattle Police Department’s nearly $400 million budget, showing the limited practical impact of the defund movement despite its rhetoric.
Building a New Future for Seattle Public Safety
Saka’s resolution focuses on a more balanced approach to public safety. It advocates for supporting and properly equipping first responders while also promoting diversified community safety strategies that address the needs of underserved populations. The resolution has already gained significant support, with four council members backing it in committee with no opposition and just one absence.
“This is finally the time to acknowledge the lessons of the past and pivot decisively toward a better, future-focused public safety model. We are committed to making everyone in our community feel safe and to enhancing our accountability system” – Source
Mayor Bruce Harrell has expressed strong support for the resolution, signaling a new pro-police era in Seattle. The police department, under interim Chief Shon Barnes, is focusing intensely on recruitment and retention with the aim of employing over 1,000 officers by 2026. Progress is already visible with 84 successful hires in 2024, slightly reversing the trend of officer losses. A new contract increased police pay by 23% to address recruitment challenges.
“I join the City Council in celebrating the dedication and hard work of our public safety professionals and in recognizing the importance of a diversified emergency response system,” the mayor said about the proposed resolution. “I look forward to working with our police department, accountability partners, and Council members as we move to finalize requirements under the consent decree.” – Source
Signs of Recovery and Reform
Perhaps most significantly, the federal consent decree that had placed the Seattle Police Department under oversight for 12 years due to issues of excessive force and biased policing was lifted in 2023. This milestone, combined with Mayor Harrell’s recent statement that “We hired more police officers last year than we lost for the first time in years, and applications are soaring,” indicates a city turning the corner after years of misguided policies.
Seattle has also wisely diversified its public safety response by expanding the Fire Department’s capabilities and launching CARE Crisis Response Teams, demonstrating that public safety can be enhanced without compromising police effectiveness. This balanced approach, which supports both law enforcement and alternative response models, represents a pragmatic path forward that prioritizes results over ideology.
Sources:
- Democrat Seattle Council Member’s Resolution Aims to Reverse Commitments to ‘Defund the Police’
- Seattle City Council resolution would acknowledge ‘failure of defund movement’
- Seattle city councilmember introduces resolution to acknowledge ‘failure’ of defund the police movement
