Reporting Drug Activity

SIGNS OF DRUG ACTIVITY

Like all major cities, Seattle faces a growing battle against drugs. The police can't solve this problem alone. Success requires community involvement. It is often hard to be certain that what you are seeing involves drugs, but some patterns may indicate drug activity:

• An unusually large amount of traffic coming to the building - in cars, taxis, or walking - often at strange hours. Visitors may sometimes pound on doors or shout to be let in. This traffic is usually quick, with people staying only a short time. Sometimes they don't go in at all; instead, someone comes out to meet them.

• Finding drugs or drug paraphernalia (syringes, pipes, etc.) in the area.

• Repeated, observable exchanges of items, especially where money is visible.

• Offers to sell you drugs, or conversation about drugs that you overhear.

• Noxious odors from or around the building, such as "musty" smells.

• Buildings where extreme security measures seem to be being taken.

• Buildings where no owner or primary renter is apparent, and no home activities, yard work, painting, or maintenance, etc., seems to be going on.

It is important to distinguish between obnoxious or peculiar behavior and drug activity. Racial or ethnic background, economic level, or lifestyle choices do not mean the person is a drug dealer.

HOW TO REPORT DRUG ACTIVITY

Don't assume the police already know, or that a neighbor will call. Don't assume one report is all that is needed. If the activity keeps occurring, keep reporting it. If the pattern changes, report that change. All neighbors affected by the drug activity are encouraged to report.

DRUG ACTIVITY IN PROGRESS

For drug activity that is in progress or needs an immediate police response, call 9-1-1. If a patrol car is available, an officer will respond. If you would like to speak with the officer, tell the 9-1-1 operator.

ON-GOING DRUG ACTIVITY

On-going drug activity, which police need to be aware of, but doesn't require immediate response, can be reported by calling one of the following locations and asking to file a Narcotics Activity Report (NARS):

Narcotics Section (206) 684-5797
(8:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Non-emergency (206) 625-5011

Community Police Team:
North Precinct (206) 684-0851
South Precinct (206) 386-9180
East Precinct (206) 684-4370
West Precinct (206) 684-8996
Southwest Precinct (206) 615-1976

*You can report drug activity anonymously, but it is more helpful if you give your name and phone number in case additional information is needed. You can ask that your name not be released to anyone.