NCJ Number
50872
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 47 Issue: 9 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1978) Pages: 16-21
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
EFFORTS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIAL ACTIVITIES SECTION (SAS) IN SEATTLE, WASH., TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SERVICE UNDER BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS ARE ADDRESSED.
Abstract
THE SAS OFTEN MUST PROVIDE MORE THAN 250 POLICE OFFICERS AS A SECURITY FORCE FOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS ROCK CONCERTS AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTING EVENTS. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT CONSISTS OF APPROXIMATELY 1,000 SWORN OFFICERS, WITH 650 ASSIGNED TO THE UNIFORMED PATROL BUREAU AND TRAFFIC DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT. CONSEQUENTLY, THERE ARE NOT 250 OFFICERS AVAILABLE FOR SECURITY FORCE DUTY. THE SAS IS HEADQUARTERED AT THE SEATTLE CENTER, A COMPLEX OF CULTURAL, ENTERTAINMENT, AND CONVENTION FACILITIES INCLUDING THE METROPOLITAN STADIUM AND THREE AUDITORIUMS. THE CENTER WAS THE REASON FOR THE SAS UNIT'S EXISTENCE. THE FIRST REGULAR ASSIGNMENT OF POLICE PERSONNEL TO THE CENTER WAS IN 1965. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SAS ARE VARIED, BUT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS FROM A POLICE POINT OF VIEW IS THE PROVISION OF SECURITY AT CENTER EVENTS. THE 13 OFFICERS IN THE SAS OBVIOUSLY CANNOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE SECURITY AT AN EVENT WITH AN ATTENDANCE OF 15,000, PARTICULARLY IF THAT EVENT IS A POPULAR ROCK GROUP. TO MINIMIZE EXPENSES OF THE SAS, PROMOTERS OF EVENTS AT THE CENTER ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE DIRECT PAYMENT FOR SECURITY SERVICES TO A PRIVATE ACCOUNTING FIRM. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A VOLUNTEER RESERVE UNIT COMPRISED OF UNPAID OFFICERS WHO WORK UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF SWORN OFFICERS. THESE VOLUNTEERS FULFILL THE SAS'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR MOVING TRAFFIC THROUGH THE MAIN PARKING AREA OF THE CENTER. A GROUP OF YOUNG VOLUNTEERS IS EMPLOYED BY THE SAS TO DEAL WITH CROWD CONTROL AT VARIOUS CENTER EVENTS. THE SAS ALSO IS INVOLVED IN PROVIDING FOR SECURITY AT THE 65,000-SEAT KINGDOME STADIUM. THE CRIMES SPECIFIC SECTION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AUGMENTS EFFORTS OF OFFICERS IN THE SAS.