In a dramatic twist, Seattle is flipping the script on law enforcement funding—shifting from defunding the police to putting money back into the force.
At a Glance
- Resolution 32167 introduced to cut ties with past defunding commitments.
- Increased crime and safety concerns led to a policy reversal.
- Public support growing for moving away from ‘Defund the Police’ rhetoric.
- Seattle expanding police force and accountability measures.
Seattle’s Reversal on Police Funding
Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka introduced Resolution 32167 to formally reverse the City Council’s earlier commitments to defund or abolish the Seattle Police Department. The resolution marks a notable shift in the city’s approach to public safety and acknowledges the fallout from earlier reform attempts. It emphasizes respect for first responders and supports continued efforts to increase police accountability.
While the 2020 defund movement initially called for a 50% reduction in the police budget, actual cuts amounted to about 13%. Much of this reduction stemmed from administrative changes, such as moving 911 dispatch services and parking enforcement to other departments. Nonetheless, the rhetoric and partial budget cuts contributed to strained relationships with law enforcement and the resignation of over 400 officers.
Watch coverage of Seattle’s policy reversal.
Community and Council Reactions
Councilmember Maritza Rivera noted growing constituent support for moving away from the defund narrative. A broader shift in public opinion is also apparent in other Democratic-led cities, many of which are recalibrating their public safety strategies.
Councilmember Saka explained the motivation behind the resolution: “This resolution reverses any prior commitment or pledge by past councils to defund or abolish the police. We know that these statements were routinely cited by departing police personnel as a reason for leaving. We also know that they are very divisive,” as reported by Fox News.
Though many reforms were implemented within the Seattle Police Department—particularly in crisis intervention and de-escalation tactics—the city is now shifting its tone. Council support for the resolution suggests a growing consensus around prioritizing both public safety and transparency.
Police Accountability and Safety Initiatives
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell affirmed the city’s dual commitment to rebuilding the police force and increasing accountability. “Seattle has made significant progress on reimagining policing since we agreed to the federal consent decree over a decade ago,” he said. “We have created one of the most robust police accountability systems in the country. We hired more police officers last year than we lost for the first time in years, and applications are soaring.”
The city also plans to develop a separate public safety department focused on community services and crisis response. Initiatives like expanding the Fire Department and launching CARE Crisis Response Teams aim to reduce the reliance on armed officers in nonviolent emergencies.
Meanwhile, activist groups continue to advocate for the “Solidarity Budget,” which emphasizes investments in housing, healthcare, and alternative community-based safety models.
Navigating the Future of Public Safety
Seattle’s evolving stance illustrates the challenges of navigating public safety policy amid changing political and social pressures. With increased attention on the limitations of the defund approach, the city is working toward a more balanced framework—one that upholds police accountability while also addressing resident concerns about crime and emergency response.
