Free expression is a cornerstone of our community, and the Seattle Police Department is committed to facilitating that right.
Lots of you are preparing to protest this weekend, and some of you might even be heading out to your first protest ever.
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect from the Seattle Police Department while you are at a demonstration.
When you see our officers at protests, you’ll often encounter the Police Outreach and Engagement Team, or POET officers. They are specifically trained to speak with organizers and the community before protests, aiming for facilitation, not confrontation. Their role is to communicate, build rapport, and help protect everyone’s safety. You might hear officers using amplified sound to communicate important information or instructions.
If you have an issue, please approach a POET officer and they will get you assistance.
If you own a home or business along the route, you may want to relocate trash bins, dumpsters, and other loose materials to prevent them from causing any harm.
Our approach to protecting your safety at protests is always to be measured and responsive to the behavior of individuals, not the content of the message. We prioritize low-profile tactics whenever possible. This means officers will not interfere until a response is critically necessary. Officers continuously assess the situation and adjust their response as needed.
Police action, such as orders to leave the immediate area, will only be taken as a last resort when there’s a clear and present danger. Officers can take action in situations involving violence, significant and unpermitted traffic disruptions, or other immediate threats to public and life safety. If officers give an order to leave the area, it will be lawful, audible, specific, and provide a clear exit path with sufficient time to safely leave the area.
Our goal is always to protect both your right to protest and the safety of everyone in our city. Thank you from the Seattle Police Department for your continued commitment to safe and peaceful demonstrations.