Greg Nickels, Mayor  SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT R. Gil Kerlikowske, Chief of Police

July 29, 2005

Statement on NYT article regarding the
Seattle Police Department's awareness training
for our personnel concerning acts of terrorism

As with any news article/story only a very small and limited amount of information is ever in the news.

On 9/11/01 the Seattle Police Department (SPD) in addition to taking steps to secure critical facilities in Seattle responded immediately to two local mosques to provide protection. The department also initiated a "hot line" for Muslims and any other groups or individuals who were afraid or threatened. We also joined with U.S. Attorney John McKay to enlighten law enforcement throughout the state about the special needs and importance of working with this community.

Since that time the bonds and trust between SPD and the community have only grown stronger. SPD has an Arab American Muslim Advisory group to the Chief of Police and Chief Kerlikowske has been invited and spoken to Ramadan services on several occasions. SPD has also sponsored the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in coming to Seattle and lecturing on this topic to a group of local enforcement leaders. Next month Seattle Officers will again be in attendance along with Chief Kerlikowske at a barbeque held at a local mosque.

During the period since 9/11 the department has worked hard to train, prepare, and equip its officers to prevent and respond to any threat or act of terrorism. SPD is a national leader in this effort and was the key component for Seattle in TOPOFF 2, the largest counter-terrorism exercise in the United States (2002). As the department continues its efforts it is our responsibility to ensure that we take advantage of the knowledge and experience of other law enforcement entities globally.

Our training and policies are focused on response to potential terrorist bombing acts, including those transported in vehicles or by a person. Prevention is a goal but cannot be achieved without first: the trust and support of the people in Seattle and two, their willingness to report abandoned packages or suspicious activity. The SPD will not undertake nor engage in training that focuses our activity based on skin color, ethnicity, religious affiliation or race.

Related Policy: Unbiased Policing