Dear Seattle Community,
October is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a chance to raise awareness and support survivors, and an opportunity for me to tell all of you a little more about the work being done by our Special Assault Unit. This section of SPD is made up of detectives and professional staff who are smart, compassionate, and hard-working. These folks investigate some of the toughest cases out there – sexual abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence, and crimes against our most vulnerable citizens. The people working in this unit work tirelessly to bring justice to survivors and arrest some of the worst offenders. I want to thank these colleagues for their dedication and service. I would like to also recognize the City of Seattle’s Victim Support Team, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this month. We are thankful for their dedication to survivors of domestic violence and the impact they have had on our community.
With gratitude,
– Andre Sayles, Interim Chief of Police
Click to sign up for the SPD Newsletter
Chief’s Monthly Highlights
- Oct. 1 – Coffee with the Cops in our Southwest Precinct
- Oct. 2 – Victim Support Team 30th Anniversary Celebration at Seattle City Hall
- Oct. 7 – Coffee with the Cops in our West Precinct
- Oct. 10 – American Cancer Society – Making Strides of Seattle Walk (*October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month)
- Oct. 14 – Our City Our Safety, International District/Chinatown Community Center
- Oct. 27 – SPD Class 944 Academy Graduation
- Oct. 27 – Southeast Public Safety Forum
- Oct. 30 – First-ever SPD-employee Chili Cook-Off
Victim Support Team Celebrates Milestone
The City of Seattle Victim Support Team (VST) celebrated its 30th anniversary in October. Since 1996, has been providing short-term advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. Housed in the city’s Human Services Department, this team works closely with SPD colleagues and we’re grateful for everything they do. We were honored to be part of their anniversary celebration on Oct. 2.
Fast facts about VST:
- Volunteers provide advocacy in person and over the phone each weekend.
- VST trains a new cohort of volunteers each fall. New volunteers undergo 50 hours of trauma-informed training before meeting with survivors.
- Volunteers come from all walks of life and include teachers, bus drivers, nurses, therapists, engineers, parents, and grandparents. A background in social work or counseling is not required.
- 1,200 community members have contributed their time and compassion to the program since 1996.
- Here’s a recent news story about the team: king5.com/article/news/community/seattle-volunteers-help-domestic-violence-victims/281-6b31b3f7-0c01-4f18-a92e-c54d7ef7bb4c
North Precinct Officer Wins Chief’s Award
On Oct. 28, North Precinct Patrol Officer Rajai Cousley was recognized by Interim Chief Andre Sayles for his work investigating a violent assault case in January. On Jan. 21, North Precinct officers were dispatched to a reported sexual assault with additional threats of violence. Utilizing footage from the Real Time Crime Center and talking to the survivor, Officer Cousley was able to identify the suspect’s vehicle and quickly make an arrest. Congratulations, Officer Cousley, and thank you for your work.
Coffee With the Cops
SPD officers and professional staff connected with community members over a cup of coffee twice in October. On Oct. 1, officers met with the greater West Seattle Community in Westwood Village. Then on Oct. 7, which happened to be “National Coffee with a Cop Day,” in Downtown Seattle. The SPD Relational Policing Bureau, which leads our community engagement, hosts these meetings and is happy to bring the program to your neighborhood coffee shop.
Please reach out to Community Outreach Coordinator Henry Liu for more information.
SPD Crime Prevention Tips
Image Alt Text: November is often cold, wet, and rainy in Seattle. Our SPD Traffic Unit has compiled a few safety tips to keep you safe on the road:
- Always drive with your headlights on in fall and winter due to our inclement weather and decreased visibility.
- Check your tire pressure and tread now before we begin to encounter sustained rain, frost, ice and potentially snow.
- Check your battery now in anticipation of cold morning starts during winter.
- Increase your following distances to allow for wet or icy surfaces during winter.
- Lower your speed in severe weather and anticipate pooled water and potential hydroplaning.
- Be aware of children and crosswalks with fall activities.
- Treat dark intersections as four way stops during power outages.
Safe City Spotlight
Save the Date: Community Events with SPD:
- Nov. 1 – Día de los Muertos Celebration, El Centro de la Raza
- Nov. 13 – “Humanizing the Badge” youth event in coordination with Seattle Parks and Recreation, Rainier Beach Community Center.
- Nov. 18 – LGTBQ+ Community Advisory Committee, 12th Avenue Arts Building
- Nov. 20 – International District Community Center youth activity night with SPD (Badminton)
Welcome to SPD Class of 944
In October, the Seattle Police Department welcomed 11 new student officers. This year, SPD has hired 110 new officers and 10 lateral officers. We are so happy to have these great folks serve Seattle with pride and dedication.
SPD is Hiring!
In October, the Seattle Police Department welcomed 11 new student officers. This year, SPD has hired 110 new officers and 10 lateral officers. We are so happy to have these great folks serve Seattle with pride and dedication.
The Seattle Police Department recruiting team will be at these hiring events this month. Curious about working as a Seattle Police officer? Check out our website
- Nov. 4 – Military hiring event Joint Base Lewis McChord
- Nov. 18 – Military hiring event at Joint Base Lewis McChord
- Nov. 23 – Naval Base Kitsap Career Fair
Precinct By Precinct Crime Wrap
For the October newsletter, we’ve prepared a year-over-year recap for your awareness.
West Precinct
The overall reported crime decreased by 1.8%
- Violent crime increased by 4.5% (aggravated assaults up by 6.3%, robberies with no change, rape with no change, 3 more homicides)
- Property crime increased by 1.7% (motor vehicle thefts down by 21.2%, larceny thefts up by 4.3%, burglaries with no change, 1 fewer arson)
- Shootings and shots fired increased by 4.5%
Top three police report crime categories in 2026 YTD are:
- Larceny-theft: 4,830 offenses accounting for 29% of the precinct total offenses
- Burglary: 1,549 offenses accounting for 9.3% of the precinct total offenses
- Simple Assaults: 1,494 offenses accounting for 9% of the precinct total offenses
Year-over-year CAD Call Insights
| 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | Amt Change | % Change | ||
| West Precinct | DISPATCH | 48,244 | 47,111 | 1,133 | 2.4% |
| ONVIEW | 22,860 | 22,783 | 77 | 0.3% | |
| ALL | 71,104 | 69,894 | 1,210 | 1.7% |
The community generated 9-1-1 calls (dispatch calls) increased by 2.4% (+1,133 calls) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026. The proactive officer activity events (on view) increased by 0.3% (+77 events) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026.
Southwest Precinct
The overall reported crime dropped by 3.7%
- Violent crime decreased by 14.6% (aggravated assaults down by 19.6%, robberies up by 4.5%, 10 fewer rapes, homicide stayed as 0)
- Property crime decreased by 1.4% (motor vehicle thefts down by 31.5%, larceny thefts up by 2.7%, burglaries down by 3.7%, 1 more arson)
- Shootings and shots fired dropped by 5.3%
Top three police report crime categories in 2026 YTD are:
- Larceny-theft: 1,735 offenses accounting for 31.7% of the precinct total offenses
- Simple Assaults: 513 offenses accounting for 9.4% of the precinct total offenses
- Burglary: 446 offenses accounting for 8.2% of the precinct total offenses
Year-over-year CAD Call Insights
| 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | Amt Change | % Change | ||
| Southwest Precinct | DISPATCH | 18,795 | 19,118 | -323 | -1.7% |
| ONVIEW | 9,948 | 11,379 | -1,431 | -12.6% | |
| ALL | 28,743 | 30,497 | -1,754 | -5.8% |
The community generated 9-1-1 calls (dispatch calls) decreased by 1.7% (-323 calls) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026. The proactive officer activity events (on view) decreased by 12.6% (-1,431 events) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026.
South Precinct
The overall reported crime dropped by 4.7%
- Violent crime decreased by 1.9% (aggravated assaults down by 2%, robberies down by 7.2%, 13 more rapes, 2 more homicides)
- Property crime decreased by 9.4% (motor vehicle thefts down by 14%, larceny thefts down by 11%, burglaries down by 13.1% and 1 fewer arson)
- Shootings and shots fired decreased by 41.3%
Top three police report crime categories in 2026 YTD are:
- Larceny-theft: 2,135 offenses accounting for 25.4% of the precinct total offenses
- Simple Assaults: 807 offenses accounting for 9.6% of the precinct total offenses
- Stolen or Damaged Property Offenses: 795 offenses accounting for 9.5% of the precinct total offenses
Year-over-year CAD Call Insights
| 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | Amt Change | % Change | ||
| South Precinct | DISPATCH | 29,474 | 28,586 | 888 | 3.1% |
| ONVIEW | 14,041 | 13,936 | 105 | 0.8% | |
| ALL | 43,515 | 42,522 | 993 | 2.3% |
The community generated 9-1-1 calls (dispatch calls) increased by 3.1% (+888 calls) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026. The proactive officer activity events (on view) increased by 0.8% (+105 events) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026.
North Precinct
The overall reported crime dropped by 6.2%
- Violent crime decreased by 8% (aggravated assaults down by 6.2%, robberies down by 15.8%, 14 more rapes, 7 fewer homicides)
- Property crime decreased by 7.8% (motor vehicle thefts down by 27.2%, larceny thefts down by 8.6%, burglaries down by 2.3%, 2 fewer arsons)
- Shootings and shots fired decreased by 28.9%
Top three police report crime categories in 2026 YTD are:
- Larceny-theft: 5,481offenses accounting for 31.2% of the precinct total offenses
- Burglary: 1,894 offenses accounting for 10.8% of the precinct total offenses
- Stolen or Damaged Property Offenses: 1,537 offenses accounting for 8.8% of the precinct total offenses
Year-over-year CAD Call Insights
| 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | Amt Change | % Change | ||
| North Precinct | DISPATCH | 59,791 | 58,808 | 983 | 1.7% |
| ONVIEW | 15,655 | 13,595 | 2,060 | 15.2% | |
| ALL | 75,446 | 72,403 | 3,043 | 4.2% |
The community generated 9-1-1 calls (dispatch calls) increased by 1.7% (+983 calls) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026. The proactive officer activity events (on view) increased by 15.2% (+2,060 events) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026.
East Precinct
For the October newsletter, we’ve prepared a year-over-year recap for your awareness.
The overall reported crime dropped by 7.2%
- Violent crime increased by 7.8% (aggravated assaults up by 10.6%, robberies down by 3.5%, 18 more rapes, 1 fewer homicide)
- Property crime decreased by 5.4% (motor vehicle thefts down by 11.7%, larceny thefts down by 5.5%, burglaries down by 8.5%, 2 fewer arsons)
- Shootings and shots fired increased by 2%
Top three police report crime categories in 2026 YTD are:
- Larceny-theft: 3,135 offenses accounting for 27.4% of the precinct total offenses
- Simple Assaults: 1,134 offenses accounting for 9.9% of the precinct total offenses
- Burglary: 1,113 offenses accounting for 9.7% of the precinct total offenses
Year-over-year CAD Call Insights
| 2026 YTD | 2025 YTD | Amt Change | % Change | ||
| East Precinct | DISPATCH | 36,300 | 36,076 | 224 | 0.6% |
| ONVIEW | 10,955 | 11,342 | -387 | -3.4% | |
| ALL | 47,255 | 47,418 | -163 | -0.3% |
The community generated 9-1-1 calls (dispatch calls) increased by 0.6% (+224 calls) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026. The proactive officer activity events (on view) decreased by 3.4% (-387 events) when comparing the same time periods in 2025 and 2026.
SPD Blotter Highlight
Seattle Police Human Trafficking Unit Make Arrests Along Aurora Corridor
by Detective Shane Weatherford on October 8, 2026 3:54 pm
Detectives with the Human Trafficking Unit partnered with patrol officers, detectives, and the Community Response Group (CRG) to proactively address prostitution solicitation along Aurora Avenue North.
On October 6th, more than twenty Seattle Police personnel deployed to the Aurora Avenue corridor in response to community concerns and a high level of prostitution related activity. During these operations, a suspect or “buyer” agrees or offers to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money.
The operation resulted in seven men arrested for prostitution loitering and patronizing. The men ranged in age from 22-years-old to 64-years-old, with the majority being in their twenties. Only three of the men lived in Seattle, with several of them driving from surrounding cities to Aurora Avenue.
Human Trafficking is defined as:
- Using force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to perform labor (such as factory work, in restaurants, hotels, construction, and as domestic servants) or engage in a commercial sex act
- the commercial sexual exploitation of a minor
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these things, please know that there are resources available to you and dedicated Seattle Police detectives working to investigate these crimes. You can learn more about the SPD Human Trafficking Detail here.
Human Trafficking Contacts
For emergency situations, call 911
Seattle Police Department Vice High Risk Victims Unit – (206) 684-8660 or (206) 386-1114 To refer a human-trafficking related matter for investigation or for information about WashACT
Washington Anti-Trafficking Response Network (WARN) – (206) 245-0782. Seattle area victim outreach, services and program information
Seattle Victim Outreach, services for WARN or WashAct – (206) 623-2105
National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s 24-hour hotline – 1-888-373-7888 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in more than 200 languages
The Seattle Police Department has also implemented Trauma-Informed Engagement training to all SPD members as part of their yearly curriculum. The training builds communication skills so that officers can prevent causing more harm when a victim decides to share their story and that perpetrators of harm can be held more accountable. When police utilize trauma-informed engagement it allows victims and witnesses to build resiliency, trust, and participation in investigations.
Discover SPD Online:
- Stay on top of local crime news with the SPD Blotter
- Follow SPD on X, where we have 550,000 followers
- Review SPD’s award-winning recruiting website