SPD Increases Patrols & Changes Leadership At North Precinct

Campsites adjacent to industrial businesses in Ballard area. Photo provided by NSIA, Jan ’19

Thanks to Eugene Wasserman of the North Seattle Industrial Association – a local organization advocating for the needs of our Industrial businesses – Fremocentrist has news from the Seattle Police Department.

In response to a request for more attention to those camping in makeshift tents and structures on the sidewalks and access roads to our industrial areas, SPD Captain Sean O’Donnell wrote, “We’ve seen some crime statistic increases in the Fremont area, particularly on both sides of the north end of the Aurora Bridge. Because of this, we have been doing some extra patrols in the Ballard/Fremont areas and will try to focus and do more there.”

Homeless structures in industrial areas can cause more dangerous situations - for the occupants as heavy trucks, fork lifts and other machinery navigate the areas at all hours of the day and night. Photo by Adrian Laney, Jan '19 — Homeless structures in industrial areas can cause more dangerous situations – for the occupants as heavy trucks, fork lifts and other machinery navigate the areas at all hours of the day and night. Photo by Adrian Laney, Jan ’19

Additionally, Captain O’Donnell has alerted Officer Cruzan, the Community Policing Team officer for Ballard. The Captain also informed the Bike Squad, the Anti-Crime team and the Watch Commanders.

If there are more than a couple of tents, protocol requires that the SPD have the NAV Team (Navigation Team) do the outreach, clearance notifications and ‘clean up.’

Captain Sean O'Donnell speaking to the Fremont Chamber in May 2018 on safety issues. Photo by K. Lindsay Laney — Captain Sean O’Donnell speaking to the Fremont Chamber in May 2018 on safety issues. Photo by K. Lindsay Laney

Finally, Captain O’Donnell reported that after 3 ½ years his tour as North Precinct Commander is ending. On February 6^th, Captain O’Donnell will transfer to the SPD Traffic Section and Captain Eric Sano will step in as Commander. Lieutenant Abe Barker will remain as the North Precinct Operations Lieutenant, to provide continuity of information.

For more information on the work being done by the Seattle Police Department, please visit the website (click here.) The North Precinct covers the entire area of Seattle, north of the Lake Union/Lake Washington Ship Canal.