Hollingsworth Abstains as New SPD Crowd Control Rules Move Forward

Joy Hollingsworth, the Seattle City Council member for District 3, recently abstained from several votes concerning new crowd control rules proposed for the Seattle Police Department. Her decision came during a public safety committee meeting where amendments aimed at enhancing restrictions on police conduct during protests were rejected. Hollingsworth stated that addressing crowd control policies was not her current priority, as her focus lies in increasing the number of available patrol officers in Seattle. This legislation is crucial for updating the SPD's crowd control measures, a response to past conflicts between protesters and police that have left lasting impacts on the community. Notably, the SPD reported a significant uptick in officer recruitment, managing to hire more officers last year than it lost for the first time in five years.

The new rules grant SPD commanders discretion in deploying crowd control tools, such as pepper spray and blast balls, during incidents while ensuring that outside agencies adhere to SPD commands. As the bill moves to the full council for final approval, it highlights the ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of public safety and community relations. Hollingsworth's abstention reflects the delicate balance city officials are trying to maintain in responding to community concerns while addressing law enforcement needs.