Joint Enforcement Team

The Joint Enforcement Team, or JET, is made up of members from the following departments: Seattle Police Department (SPD), Seattle Fire Department (SFD), Finance & Administrative Services (FAS), Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board (WALCB). Additional assistance, as needed, is provided by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection (SDCI).

• To create a safe and positive experience for people to enjoy Seattle nightlife businesses and activities, now and in the future.
• To be a positive resource for businesses serving the nightlife industry.

An average outing will be five to seven people. Typically, between one to two members of each department listed above attend each outing.

Each department has multiple staff members trained to perform Joint Enforcement Team (JET) outings.

The JET conducts inspections of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and other businesses (adult entertainment, massage parlors, mobile food vendors, special events) at peak times to help them maintain a safe environment for patrons and the community. JET also checks for compliance with regulatory and license codes.

• Seattle Police Department (SPD): Works with nightlife security teams to create a safe environment for patrons. SPD also follows up on calls for service and crimes at or near nightlife businesses. SPD provides security for the JET.
• Seattle Fire Department (SFD): Inspects businesses for fire code related to life safety hazards. Examples of issues SFD would address during inspections are blocked/locked fire exits, overoccupancy, permit issues, fire suppression equipment maintenance (range hoods, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems) and emergency lighting.
• Finance & Administrative Services (FAS): Inspects license, tax and regulatory aspects of business. FAS also enforces nightlife amplified noise rules.
• Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT): Inspects potential hazards to public movement on sidewalks and street. Examples of issues SDOT would address include street use permits, blocking the right-of-way and queueing of patrons.
• Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI): Inspects businesses for violations of the Building and Land Use codes, such as construction or commercial use without permits. Responds to neighborhood complaints about outdoor storage, overgrown vegetation and mechanical noise.
• Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board (WSLCB): Inspects for potential violations, including over-service, underage drinking, safety procedures for serving food and drinks and MAST permits. 

Seattle Police, Seattle Fire and the State Liquor & Cannabis Board hold quarterly training sessions for nightclub staff and security. These trainings cover a variety of topics from how to spot fake IDs, fire safety and prevention, and the responsibilities of serving alcohol.

The JET performs inspections at night and on weekends to ensure that businesses are providing a safe environment and following all guidelines during their busiest operating hours.