Edmonds police connect with community, share crime stats for 2025 at Seaview Park Thursday night

At Seaview Park, over 25 Edmonds residents met with police officers to discuss public safety and review crime statistics for the first half of 2025. Cmdr. Shane Hawley stated that most burglaries occur during the day when homes are empty, urging vigilance among residents. Sgt. Ryan Speer highlighted the growing threat of fraud, particularly scams utilizing AI-generated voices that mimic family members in distress, advising residents to hang up and call the police if something seems off.

Attendees raised questions about the appropriate use of 911 and non-emergency numbers, with officers reassuring them of their constant presence in the community. Police Chief Loi Dawkins acknowledged budget challenges that have hindered hiring, yet emphasized their ongoing commitment to safety. The Edmonds Police Department has not filled 12 positions this year and lost eight officers, marking a significant staffing crisis. Residents can subscribe to Smart911 for alerts on police activity and emergencies in their neighborhoods. Cmdr.

Hawley plans to provide comparisons to previous years' crime data next week.