There has been a second Seattle SODA zone order issued not on Capitol Hill this time

A significant development in Seattle's efforts to combat drug-related offenses has emerged with the issuance of a second exclusion order under the SODA initiative, now affecting Zone 2, which encompasses the International District and Pioneer Square. This order was prompted by the arrest of a 40-year-old caught smoking meth in front of a local market in December. Notably, the judge allowed this defendant to utilize public transit through the zone, reflecting a nuanced approach to enforcement. The SODA program, which aims to enhance public safety, permits judges to bar individuals convicted of drug offenses from specific areas for up to two years. Previously, only Capitol Hill's Zone 4 had an active exclusion order, but this new order doubles the number of individuals affected by such measures.

The Seattle City Attorney's Office plays a crucial role in reviewing police referrals to ensure that legal grounds exist for these orders. This growing trend highlights a shift in Seattle's law enforcement strategies, potentially leading to more exclusion zones being established in the future. As the city grapples with drug-related issues, the implications of these exclusion orders will be closely monitored by the community and officials alike.