Seattle police chief addresses safety concerns at Magnuson Park

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes met with local residents at Magnuson Park to discuss growing safety concerns linked to loud parties and illegal activities. Community member Yvonne Wolman shared that she documented 50 911 calls related to the park between mid-April and mid-July, expressing frustration over perceived police inaction. Despite promises of increased patrols, residents report no arrests or citations, leading to a sense of lawlessness. Barnes emphasized the need to balance responding to urgent calls with community safety initiatives as the department aims to recruit 100 new officers this year. He highlighted the good work within the north precinct but acknowledged that more is needed to ensure safety in public spaces.

Additionally, the city plans to develop an online portal for residents to report safety concerns directly. These efforts aim to enhance community-police relations and address the pressing issues at Magnuson Park. Ensuring parks remain safe spaces for all is a priority for the Seattle Police Department.