People heading to Bumbershoot this weekend can expect to see more Seattle police officers around Seattle Center following changes the department says it made af
People heading to Bumbershoot this weekend can expect to see more Seattle police officers around Seattle Center following changes the department says it made after the Bite of Seattle.
In a statement, the Seattle Police Department said it has “made changes in staffing and planning surrounding major events at Seattle Center and throughout our community.”
The department said it will not release exact staffing levels.
“The Seattle Police Department does not disclose specific staffing numbers, but people attending Bumbershoot this weekend will see a high-visibility presence of uniformed Seattle Police officers on and around Seattle Center,” the statement concluded.
The increased focus comes after the July 26 shooting at Bite of Seattle, which had a profound impact on victims, families, vendors and the broader Seattle community, according to Seattle Center Acting Director Randy Engstrom. He said Seattle Center has since conducted safety and emergency-protocol reviews with every event producer hosting gatherings on campus, working alongside Seattle police, Seattle Fire, the mayor’s office, the Office of Emergency Management and event partners.
“Operational security planning is tailored to the size and needs of each gathering,” Engstrom said in a statement. “Producers lead their own security plans in coordination with Seattle Center and public-safety agencies.”
Seattle Center stated that, in addition to increased police presence, Bumbershoot’s security plan includes a secured, fenced-off perimeter; metal detection units at entry points; increased third-party security; additional police presence; training for key staff; internal emergency-response resources for artists and staff who opt in; and a dedicated social-communications team to handle emergency messaging.
