Seattle, WA

Seattle Police staffing dire, hitting lowest number since 1958

Published

3 months ago

June 19, 2024

Seattle Police staffing dire, hitting lowest number since 1958

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) lost 38 officers, including recruits, as of June 3, 2024. Conversely, they only hired or rehired 15 officers this year, leaving Seattle Police with its lowest staffing levels since 1958.

The total SPD separations come as seven more officers left the force in May. At the current rate, and considering nearly a third of the force is eligible for retirement, the city projects that it will lose 94 officers by the end of the year. The city only expects to hire or rehire 34 this year.

The total number of deployable officers can vary day to day because of injuries, planned extended time off, or maternity/paternity leave. But as of June 3, there were only 848 total deployable officers (not including recruits and students).

Compare the current stats to January 1, 1958, and the crisis is clear. According to a staffing document obtained by “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH, there were 918 deployable Seattle Police staff. There’s been a dramatic rise in population and crime since.

How is the city of Seattle addressing the police staffing crisis?

The mayor’s office said it’s stepping up recruitment efforts for SPD. But their strategy so far has not worked.

In a virtue signaling pivot, SPD is actively recruiting so-called DREAMERS — recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival Status (DACA). Bipartisan legislation allowing DACA recipients to be hired for civil service jobs went into effect on June 6.

But DACA is still being challenged in court and a DACA recipient’s ability to carry a firearm is based on January 2024 guidance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the Biden administration. DACA could be declared unconstitutional and the guidance can change with a new administration.

Moreover, how many DACA recipients could possibly be interested in being a police officer? The general public has little interest as it is. This strategy won’t likely bring in many — if any — applicants.

Jason Rantz Exclusive: Former Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz announces he’s gay

Crime is still out of control

There is an urgent need for police as the City of Seattle is trying to recover from last year’s historic high of 74 homicides.

At 21 homicides this year (plus two additional ones that happened in the city but are being investigated by Washington State Patrol), Seattle is trending lower than where it was in 2023 (ending June with 30 homicides). But there’s caution as the city deals with a surge in juvenile crime and summer months usually see a bump in violent crime.

But it’s not just violent crime plaguing the city. Businesses and car owners are hounded by frequent break-ins, theft and vandalism as the city struggles to reach pre-2020 criminal justice reform numbers. The crisis has deteriorated to the point where small businesses are spending big dollars to hire private security since they know there are not enough police to protect their neighborhoods.

Much of the property crime isn’t even reported — a point conceded by former Seattle Police Department Chief Adrian Diaz –which skews data that is cherry-picked to downplay the crisis for political purposes. As activists and some politicians claim, Seattle is thriving, an alarming number of businesses continue to shut down, and downtown commercial real estate is being sold on the cheap.

Listen to “The Jason Rantz Show” on weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3). Subscribe to the podcast here. Follow Jason on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Seattle, WA

Former Seattle Mariners Pitcher Deals AL West Rivals History-Making Loss

Published

4 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

Former Seattle Mariners Pitcher Deals AL West Rivals History-Making Loss

The Seattle Mariners will begin Game 1 of their last series of the season against the Oakland Athletics at 7:10 p.m. PT on Friday.

The Mariners were eliminated on their off day on Thursday after the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals both won.

But as the saying goes, “misery loves company.” And although Seattle will miss the playoffs for a the 22nd time in 23 years, it got to sit back and enjoy an American League West rival suffer its own disappointing loss.

The Los Angeles Angels fell 4-3 to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. The loss was the Angels’ 96th of the season — a franchise record.

The irony was that the a former Seattle starter helped deal the loss.

Chris Flexen, who pitched for the Mariners from 2021-23, threw 6.1 scoreless innings and struck out seven batters. It was his first win since May 8. His wallet also got a little bigger due to him earning $250,000 for pitching 160 innings during the season.

Chris Flexen today:
– 6.1 shutout innings
– First W since May 8
– Cashed a $250K bonus for 160 IP
– Dealt the Angels their franchise record 96th loss of the season
Comrade Chris 🫡 https://t.co/Vv3hkW9OXH
— Mariner Muse (@MarinerMuse) September 27, 2024
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Flexen has a 4.95 ERA this season in 33 appearances (30 starts) with 123 strikeouts in 160.1 innings pitched.

During Flexen’s time with Seattle, he pitched 81 games (57 starts) and posted a 4.13 ERA with 249 strikeouts in 359.1 innings pitched.

Flexen has pitched well against Los Angeles dating back to his time with Seattle. In his career, he’s made 11 appearances against the Angels (nine starts) and has posted a 3.15 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 54.1 innings pitched.

Los Angeles’ loss won’t alleviate the disappointment within the Mariners organization and fanbase over not making the playoffs.

But it’s good to see a former Seattle pitcher continue to be successful against a division rival.

ADAMES JOINS A-ROD IN HISTORY: Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames joined former Seattle Mariners legend Alex Rodriguez as one of just two players in history to accomplish an extremely impressive feat. CLICK HERE

MARINERS ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION: The Seattle Mariners saw their postseason dreams came to an end with come-from-behind wins by the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers on Thursday. CLICK HERE

MARINERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HOUSTON’S DEFENSIVE MISCUES: The Seattle Mariners kept their season and playoff chances afloat and took the series with an 8-1 win against the Houston Astros on Wednesday. CLICK HERE

Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on “X” @Teren_Kowatsch and @wdevradiobrady

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Seattle, WA

How to buy Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks tickets

Published

12 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

How to buy Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks tickets

The Seattle Seahawks (3-0) go on the road to play the Detroit Lions (2-1) at Ford Field on Monday, September 30, 2024.

If you are looking for Lions vs. Seahawks tickets, information is available below.

Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks game info

Location: Detroit, Michigan
Date: Sept. 30
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

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How to buy Lions vs. Seahawks tickets for NFL Week 4

You can purchase tickets to see the Lions square off against the Seahawks from multiple providers.

Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks betting odds, lines, spreads

Spread favorite: Lions (-3.5)
Moneyline favorite: Lions (-190)
Total: 46.5 (O: -110, U: -110)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Detroit Lions schedule

Week 1: Sept. 8 at 8:20 p.m. ET vs. Los Angeles Rams, 26-20 win
Week 2: Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. ET vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-16 loss
Week 3: Sept. 22 at 4:25 p.m. ET at Arizona Cardinals, 20-13 win
Week 4: Sept. 30 at 8:15 p.m. ET vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week 6: Oct. 13 at 4:25 p.m. ET at Dallas Cowboys
Week 7: Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. ET at Minnesota Vikings
Week 8: Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. ET vs. Tennessee Titans
Week 9: Nov. 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET at Green Bay Packers
Week 10: Nov. 10 at 8:20 p.m. ET at Houston Texans
Week 11: Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. ET vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 12: Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. ET at Indianapolis Colts
Week 13: Nov. 28 at 12:30 p.m. ET vs. Chicago Bears
Week 14: Dec. 5 at 8:15 p.m. ET vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 15: Dec. 15 at 4:25 p.m. ET vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 16: Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. ET at Chicago Bears
Week 17: Dec. 30 at 8:15 p.m. ET at San Francisco 49ers
Week 18: TBD vs. Minnesota Vikings

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Detroit Lions stats

Total offense: 399.7 yards per game, fourth in NFL
Passing offense: 236.7 yards per game, seventh in NFL
Rushing offense: 163 yards per game, fourth in NFL
Total defense: 293.3 yards per game, 10th in NFL
Passing defense: 216.7 yards per game, 19th in NFL
Rushing defense: 76.7 yards per game, fourth in NFL

Seattle Seahawks schedule

Week 1: Sept. 8 at 4:05 p.m. ET vs. Denver Broncos, 26-20 win
Week 2: Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. ET at New England Patriots, 23-20 win
Week 3: Sept. 22 at 4:05 p.m. ET vs. Miami Dolphins, 24-3 win
Week 4: Sept. 30 at 8:15 p.m. ET at Detroit Lions
Week 5: Oct. 6 at 4:25 p.m. ET vs. New York Giants
Week 6: Oct. 10 at 8:15 p.m. ET vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 7: Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. ET at Atlanta Falcons
Week 8: Oct. 27 at 4:05 p.m. ET vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 9: Nov. 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET vs. Los Angeles Rams
Week 11: Nov. 17 at 4:05 p.m. ET at San Francisco 49ers
Week 12: Nov. 24 at 4:25 p.m. ET vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 13: Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. ET at New York Jets
Week 14: Dec. 8 at 4:05 p.m. ET at Arizona Cardinals
Week 15: Dec. 15 at 8:20 p.m. ET vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 16: Dec. 22 at 4:05 p.m. ET vs. Minnesota Vikings
Week 17: Dec. 26 at 8:15 p.m. ET at Chicago Bears
Week 18: TBD at Los Angeles Rams

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Seattle Seahawks stats

Total offense: 344 yards per game, eighth in NFL
Passing offense: 246.7 yards per game, third in NFL
Rushing offense: 97.3 yards per game, 23rd in NFL
Total defense: 248.7 yards per game, second in NFL
Passing defense: 132.3 yards per game, first in NFL
Rushing defense: 116.3 yards per game, 15th in NFL

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This content was created for Gannett using technology provided by Data Skrive.

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Seattle, WA

Seattle weather: Clouds to sunbreaks Friday

Published

20 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

Seattle weather: Clouds to sunbreaks Friday

Mostly sunny, dry weekend ahead of us

FOX 13 Meteorologist Ilona McCauley has your 7-day weekend.

SEATTLE – Showers have returned this evening as our next frontal system moves into the Pacific Northwest.

Showers have returned this evening as our next frontal system moves into the Pacific Northwest.

We started off the day with dry and cloudy skies. We saw a few sunbreaks further south, which helped warm some spots to average temperatures of the upper 60s.

We started off the day with dry and cloudy skies. We saw a few sunbreaks further south, which helped warm some spots to average temperatures of the upper 60s. (FOX 13 Seattle)

Tonight we will see light scattered showers and breezy winds, especially for the north interior. Temperatures will be mild with overnight lows in the mid 50s.

Tonight we will see light scattered showers and breezy winds, especially for the north interior.

A few lingering showers early Friday morning, but clouds will give way to sunshine.

Highs will be similar on Friday compared to Thursday, with highs in the upper to mid 60s. Skies will be dry with mostly sunny skies.

Highs will be similar Friday compared to Thursday, with highs in the upper to mid 60s. (FOX 13 Seattle)

Skies will be cloudier to start the weekend with highs in the low 60s. More sunshine will return from Sunday into Monday. Showers chances return Tuesday into Wednesday.