Public Safety Liaisons
Prosecutors and police have come to realize that some public safety and neighborhood livability problems can be better addressed through proactive community-oriented problem solving rather than traditional "case-by-case" prosecution.
In 1995, the City Attorney's Office launched the Public Safety Liaison Program (formerly known as the Precinct Liaison Program) with four liaisons -- one for each of the then-four police precincts. Initially, the liaisons carried a regular caseload of division cases but, with the assistance of federal grants, they transitioned to solely focusing on problem-solving work in their respective precincts. Now, the program is supported only by City funds, with four full-time liaisons covering the five police precincts.
The Public Safety Liaison Program involves a long-term, proactive partnership between the CAO, law enforcement, public and private organizations, and the community. The focus is on solving neighborhood problems, improving public safety, and enhancing quality of life within the community.
Specific goals of the Public Safety Liaison Program:
- Reduce crime and enhance the quality of life in Seattle neighborhoods.
- Develop a more efficient and effective response to public safety problems.
- Improve communication among residents, prosecutors, police, and other city departments involved in problem-solving efforts.
Public Safety Liaison Responsibilities:
- Providing real-time proactive legal advice for officers in each precinct.
- Protecting SPD resources by working closely with other City agencies to address neighborhood problems before they become criminal problems.
- Litigating appropriate code and criminal violations resulting from these efforts.
- Facilitating community and intergovernmental communication and cooperation.
Questions about the Public Safety Liaison Program may be directed to:
Scott Lindsay
Deputy City Attorney
Seattle City Attorney's Office
Scott.Lindsay@seattle.gov
Other Public Safety Liason Division Responsibilities
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