More mentors, better facilities, gear that fits. WA police departments are upping their game to recruit more women Just 12% of police officers nationwide are women. Washington state lags behind that already low number at 11%. Several law enforcement agencies statewide have signed on to a goal to increase women in the ranks. They’re recruiting women by offering strong mentorship programs and better-suited gear and facilities, among other strategies. But success is mixed, and larger agencies especially continue to struggle. Amy Radil Play AudioListen 5 mins
Should cops return to Seattle high schools? Interim Chief Rahr signals she wants to talk about it Days after a fatal shooting at Garfield High School, interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr says one thing alone won't solve safety issues at Seattle Public Schools. Libby Denkmann
'This is how we get better.' Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell defends his decision to dismiss Police Chief Adrian Diaz Barely 24 after publicly announcing his decision to dismiss Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz, Mayor Bruce Harrell spoke to Soundside's Libby Denkmann about why that was the right move for a department plagued by lawsuits and accusations that it was a "good old boys' club." Libby Denkmann
Officer who struck Jaahnavi Kandula had a 'checkered history.' SPD hired him anyway Soundside host Libby Denkmann talks with freelance journalist Andrew Engelson about his reporting in Publicola on SPD Officer Kevin Dave's employment record at the Tucson Police Department in Arizona. Hans Anderson Play AudioListen 16 mins
Off the Charts: Did Seattle defund the police? In 2020, protests following the police murder of George Floyd started a movement to defund police departments across the U.S. – including Seattle. Four years later, what, if anything, has changed? Teo Popescu
Cleared of felony, Seattle cop who killed Indian student Kandula could end up in municipal court The Seattle City Attorney has announced it is reviewing the case of the police officer whose vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian last year. Officer Kevin Dave could face a penalty for negligent driving in the crash that killed 23-year-old graduate student Jaahnavi Kandula in January 2023. Amy Radil