By Police1 Staff
SEATTLE — The city’s violent year of murders is a “public safety emergency,” police said Wednesday.
“Recently there has been an increase in violent crime in many of our neighborhoods,” Seattle Police Detective Jeff Kappel said in a blog post. “The Seattle Police Department views this increase as a public safety emergency.”
Currently, the department is investigating several shootings and nine homicides, and in every precinct of the city, police will heighten violence prevention efforts. Dedicated emphasis patrols “will work collaboratively with the communities and other stake holders to ensure that residents and visitors can live without fear,” the post said.
In January, 49-year-old Darek Darewski was killed as he walked on Capitol Hill near Seattle Central Community College, according to The Los Angeles Times. A surveillance video shows Darewski walking before police said a gunman approached him and shot him in the chest. Also visible is a white car witnesses said left the scene.
The Seattle Police Department asks the public to assist officers as they continue to investigate the unsolved homicides. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, who recently toured the city’s murder scenes, echoed that sentiment at a meeting with community leaders.
“This is an issue that requires more than just a police response,” McGinn said.