 |
City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
|
NEWS ADVISORY
|
| SUBJECT: Mayor Nickels Preserves Vital Public Safety Services During Difficult Budget Process
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
9/17/2003 9:03:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
|
Mayor Nickels Preserves Vital Public Safety Services
During Difficult Budget Process
SEATTLE - Mayor Nickels and Chief of Police R. Gil Kerlikowske today reaffirmed their commitment to preserve vital police and public safety services during an unprecedented economic downturn in Seattle's economy.
In the Mayor's 2004 Proposed Budget, there will be no reduction in sworn officer positions. Funding will also continue for key services such as domestic violence advocates and crime prevention coordinators. In addition, Seattle has recently received approximately $29 million in federal funds to further our emergency preparedness efforts.
The City is facing an additional $24 million shortfall for the 2003-2004 biennium. SPD was directed by the mayor to identify budget cuts of only 1 percent, or $1.65 million from the 2003 adopted general fund budget. This is one of the smallest percentage cuts of any department.
In order to protect sworn officer positions and other core-mission services, SPD will take its
1 percent cut by eliminating 32 crossing guard positions and five community service officer positions.
"It is always difficult to confront an economic downturn. These reductions began last year and in light of the recession are not surprising. I am heartened by the Mayor's continued support for the department," said Kerlikowske.
This reduction of 32 part-time crossing guard positions is the second phase of a three-year reduction. During this transition, traffic and precinct-based officers have been providing visible enforcement and training, and are assisting schools in developing a volunteer-based program. As schools gradually move toward new safety programs, the department will continue to assist in all their efforts.
Seattle is one of the few remaining cities in the state to still have a crossing guard program. Most other communities have adopted the systems Seattle is now implementing. The department works daily to ensure the safety of students and all pedestrians, and we work closely with the Seattle Department of Transportation to further enhance pedestrian safety with more visible markings on the crosswalks, and improved signage and traffic signals.
- 30 -
Police
| 
