The Seattle Police Department has expressed concern regarding a sharp increase in violent crime in many of our neighborhoods. With the on-going issues surrounding gun violence, a dedicated emphasis has been established to address hot spots and other areas of concern – Violence Prevention Emphasis Patrols (VPEP). Recent community concerns have ranged from civility violations, assaults, shootings and homicides. By providing a dedicated group of officers to address these problems in our communities, we hope to improve our ability to prevent gun violence and other crimes as well as respond to calls for service within each precinct. The dedicated emphasis will work collaboratively with neighborhood businesses to ensure that residents and visitors can be in these areas safely and without fear.
VPEP Mission
Protect life and property, preserve the peace and suppress illegal activities. Ensure the safety all individuals present and assist with the orderly flow of vehicles and pedestrians. Provide the affected communities with positive police interactions.
VPEP Concept of Operations
All personnel will remain in their precinct of assignment. Assigned officers will be deployed to the various areas of interest by the Incident Commander or designee. The overarching goals are to prevent violent crime and to build rapport between officers and the residents, visitors and businesses. Officers will engage in visible patrols and social contacts. Officers will also conduct business checks with the local business owners and staff.
Officers will focus their patrol and enforcement efforts in and around the identified area of concern. This will include alleys, parking lots and the areas surrounding businesses. Officers are expected to act on all violations of law and disruptive behavior. Physical arrests should be made on all incidents involving violent behavior. Officers will partner with Department of Corrections (DOC) personnel to conduct checks for violent offenders.
Any information regarding gang activity, juvenile issues, or concerns raised by the nightclub staff will be forwarded to the Incident Commander or their designee.
Sergeants will be responsible for the deployment and supervision of their officers, as well as for social contacts with business owners, residents and visitors in the selected areas. Lieutenants will be responsible overseeing the deployment of assigned officers and sergeants and the reallocation of resources as needed throughout the precinct and the city.