The Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee convened on December 10, 2024, to discuss critical amendments regarding police crowd management policies, particularly focusing on the use of crowd control tools such as blast balls. The meeting highlighted the balance between public safety and accountability in law enforcement actions.

Council Member Moore initiated the discussion by emphasizing the importance of accountability for police actions, especially in situations where individuals exercising their First Amendment rights may face life-threatening injuries. Moore argued for an amendment that would ensure elected officials, including the council and the mayor, could be held responsible for decisions made during such incidents.

Following this, technical details were presented regarding the Seattle Police Department's (SPD) crowd management intervention and control policy. It was clarified that under current policies, officers can only make individual decisions to use blast balls in life safety emergencies but cannot disperse crowds without higher authorization from the mayor's office. The proposed amendment would allow officers to disperse crowds without needing prior approval from the mayor during life safety events, effectively broadening their operational authority.

Brian Maxey from SPD provided further clarification, explaining that while officers could interdict individuals posing immediate threats, the amendment would enable them to act more decisively in crowd dispersal situations without waiting for mayoral authorization. This change aims to streamline responses during critical incidents.

The committee members engaged in a robust discussion about the implications of the amendment. While some expressed support for the increased flexibility it would provide to officers, others raised concerns about the potential for misuse and the need for oversight. Vice Chair expressed appreciation for Moore's leadership but ultimately decided against supporting the amendment, citing concerns about the prescriptive nature of requiring mayoral authorization for blast ball usage.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the ongoing need for careful consideration of public safety measures and the accountability of elected officials in law enforcement practices. The committee's discussions will likely influence future policies and the framework for police operations in Seattle, particularly in managing large crowds during emergencies. Further deliberations and potential votes on the proposed amendments are expected in upcoming sessions.