Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Please join your fellow neighbors, representatives from the Seattle Police Department, elected officials and community leaders at a

Special Public Safety, Civil Rights, & Technology Committee in your Neighborhood (South Precinct)

Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
Southeast Seattle Senior Services Center
Rainier Avenue South and South Holly Street
4655 South Holly Street | Seattle, WA  98118

This special committee meeting is being co-hosted by the Southeast Seattle Crime Prevention Council.

We will work with your neighborhood and focus on real public safety solutions. The special committee meeting will include state-of-the-art polling technology.
We will listen, identify solutions, and take action.

Seattle Police Department South Precinct—Neighborhoods Served: Beacon Hill, Mount Baker, Columbia City Hillman City, Genesee, Georgetown, Rainier Vista, Lockmore, New Holly, Othello Park, Othello Station, Brighton, Dunlap, Rainier Beach, Upper Rainier Beach, Rainier View, Seward Park, Pritchard Beach

Precinct Captain: Mike Nolan
Operations: Lt. John Hayes
South Precinct
3001 S. Myrtle 98108
(206) 386-1850

South Community Police Team (CPT)
South CPT Officers:
Sgt. Ann Martin – (206) 386-1393
Officer Ed Haynes – (206) 233-1540
Officer Chris Toman – (206) 386-1407
Officer C.J. McRae – (206) 233-1543
Officer Sylvia Parker – (206) 233-2023

Press Statement issued Monday, February 27, 2012

Honor, courage, and commitment

Do you have what it takes to make immediate and positive impacts every day?

SEATTLE – Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee today announced the Seattle Police Department is seeking to hire 30 to 40 entry-level police officers in 2012. Policing is a challenging and rewarding job, with the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and the community every day.

“I encourage Seattle residents who can exemplify the ideals to work in the community daily with respect and professionalism, courage to protect and serve, and a passion to creatively and effectively resolve and de-escalate problems to apply to Seattle’s Police Department,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell.

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WHEREAS, The Seattle City Council celebrates the Cierra Sisters, Inc., and Bridgette Hempstead, an outstanding leader who stood up in the fight against cancer. The Cierra Sisters, an African American breast cancer survivor and support organization, celebrates its 16th Anniversary in February 2012. For sixteen years, the Cierra Sisters, Inc., has effectively made a difference in our city, while sharing knowledge, giving support, and saving lives;

WHEREAS, In 1996, Bridgette Hempstead was inspired to seek medical care and scheduled a mammogram appointment. She was diagnosed with breast cancer on her 35th birthday. Thanks to early detection, Bridgette has been a breast cancer survivor for sixteen years;

WHEREAS, On February 21st, 1996, during Black History month, Bridgette formed Cierra Sisters, Inc. Cierra Sisters reminds us that having knowledge is not enough, but when one puts knowledge into practice, it is power against the ravaging effects of breast cancer;

WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women. The CDC further reports that African American women are disproportionately affected by it and that African American women are more likely than all other women to die from breast cancer;

WHEREAS, Early detection of breast cancer greatly increases the chances that a woman will survive this disease. Women who have regular exams (mammograms and clinical breast exams) are much more likely to detect breast cancer early, have more options for treatment, and survive the disease;

WHEREAS, For 16 years, Seattle has been grateful to the Cierra Sisters for helping cancer survivors and their loved ones make informed decisions and improve the quality of their lives. Cierra Sisters provides outstanding education and outreach — including information on early detection, seminars and motivational programs, as well as emotional and spiritual support. While the Cierra Sisters primarily provides support to breast cancer survivors, it also offers information and support to the survivors of all other forms of cancer.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Seattle City Council, that Sunday, February 26, 2012, is

CIERRA SISTERS DAY

We commend Bridgette Hempstead and the members of Cierra Sisters for standing up in the fight against cancer and for their outstanding support and dedication to cancer survivors and their loved ones. We ask all citizens to join in this worthwhile cause, as we celebrate the successes and memorialize lost battles.

Press Statement issued Thursday, February 23, 2012

Statement regarding recent homicides at 9400 Block on Rainier Ave South

SEATTLE – Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee released the following statement regarding the recent double homicides in Rainier Valley:

“We just witnessed two more lives cut tragically short as a result of violence and criminal activity. This brings the total number of homicides to nine in 2012. The Mayor and the City Council are concerned about these events. These recent deaths are even more disturbing for Southeast Seattle residents who recently expressed their concerns of increased violence and crime at a standing room-only community meeting on February 6 in Southeast Seattle.

“Our Seattle Police Department is aggressively pursuing leads on this most recent shooting and a critical link to obtain evidence is the cooperation of witnesses and people knowledgeable about the victims, suspects and the event itself.

“Many witnesses withhold valuable information from the police because of their fear of retaliation, mistrust of the government and because they comply with a code of silence. We are asking community leaders and organizations to work with the Police Department, the Mayor’s Office and the Public Safety Committee in establishing new norms of cooperation and trust. Every community has the right to be safe and we are asking the community to help us establish cooperation with the police, institute preventative measures before crime and violence occurs through the 9-1-1 system; and help deliver a message to our youth that violence and the unlawful use of guns destroy what so many work to build—healthy communities. Our strategy will be to strengthen and protect our community.”

“We will discuss these efforts at a Special Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee meeting on March 7th (5:30 p.m.) at the Southeast Seattle Senior Center (4655 South Holly Street) on how we move forward together.”

Press Statement issued Thursday, February 16, 2012

SEATTLE – Today, Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, released the following statement in response to the proposal by Christopher Hansen for a new NBA and NHL arena. The proposal includes no new taxes to build a new arena.

“Today’s announcement to bring back an NBA team and an NHL team is an incredible economic opportunity for jobs and small businesses, but its greatest impact will be on our community and youth. I have been a youth mentor for decades and for many, sports is a universal language for our youth and instills discipline and confidence in our children. At rec centers and playgrounds all across Seattle, I have watched kids imitating Gary Payton’s signature baseline spin move or Fred Brown’s perfect jump shot. I have witnessed the discipline and confidence transfer into success in the classroom.”

“Seattle is a world-class city and many in our state enjoy our football, baseball, and soccer teams. I want us to work together on bringing back a basketball team and a new hockey team. In the last two weeks, Jeremy Lin has transcended American sports as the first American-born Chinese or Taiwanese player. Jeremy has taught us all not to give up on our dreams. He is a testament of hard work and seizing the opportunity. I applaud Mr. Hansen, the Mayor and County Executive Constantine for keeping the hopes and dreams of sports enthusiasts alive and I am excited about bringing basketball back to our city.”

Public Safety, Civil Rights, And Technology Committee Agenda for Wednesday, 2/15/2012, 2:00 PM

Click here to view the complete agenda:

1. Work Plan Presentation for the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee | View Document

2. Seattle Human Rights Commission Report and Presentation on Police Reforms | View Report

3-6. Seattle LGBT Commission Appointments

7-8. Seattle Human Rights Commission Appointments