Three months ago before COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, January’s rush hour mass shooting at Third and Pine became a flashpoint for public anger over downtown crime and gun violence. Cries for action and a 24/7 police presence were replaced with mass business closures and stay-at-home orders.

As the City prepares to hit reset, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) has done the same.

Recently appointed West Precinct Captain Matt Allen outlined new plans to fight old problems last week at an online meeting of business and community members.  Among the highlights:

• 22 new precinct officers added in February and March

• A FOCUS squad of six beat officers and a sergeant dedicated to the 1400 through 1600 blocks of Third Ave.

• Introduction of four citywide co-response crisis teams pairing officers with mental health professionals skilled in crisis connection options to jail.

Regarding the Third Ave. FOCUS squad Allen says, “FOCUS stands for Focus on Civility, Unity and Safety.  We want to bring people together on the block and have a lasting presence. Civility issues matter. Broken windows, urinating, alcoholism and similar behaviors lead to other actions. Our goal is to improve safety in this neighborhood.”

As former head of the Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, the 29-year police veteran has worked at the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system.  He cites the need to overcome a mental healthcare void and points to the new Crisis Solution Center as a voluntary option to jail.

He believes keeping the same officers on the same beat allows them to know who’s who, which makes it easier for them to help those with behavioral health issues and recognize prolific offenders.

Regarding the latter he says, “We’re trying to stop the ‘arrest and release’ pattern” but “can only control what’s in our control.” He adds he’s spoken with King County prosecutors about the need to hold those arrested.

During the height of the pandemic, the Third Ave FOCUS squad saw less action on Third Ave. and were allowed to expand their range.  But as Stay at Home orders lift, Captain Allen says the team will be making the necessary adjustments.  “We have people in place dedicated to this area. The FOCUS squad will be down here every day.”

This news is welcome for a long troubled Third Ave. corridor and we’ll be watching to see how this plan meets the challenge.

For more information and contacts within the SPD West Precinct click here.