[Seattle-editorial] FEATURE PROPOSAL: PCJ/SPD

[jl at u.washington.edu]

Subtitle: ‘SEATTLE CRIMES’ HITS STREETS
Title:  PCJ Organizes Vote of Confidence in the Seattle Police

Folks dropping change in select Seattle Times newspaper boxes across town this week read with interest reports on public concern over upcoming Police Guild negotiations and a critique of how SPD buy-bust drug stings unfairly target people of color while ignoring greater narcotics abuse by whites. Satirical headlines read, “Jails in Schools: School Board Unveils Bold New Plan” and “Police and INS to Merge.” The paper was actually the <a href=”http://seattle.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=15735”>Seattle Crimes</a>, which guerilla media activists wrapped around copies of the July 2 Times (download pdfs <a href=”http://seattle.indymedia.org/local/webcast/uploads/colors_final.pdf”>1</a>, <a href=”http://seattle.indymedia.org/local/webcast/uploads/blacks_final.pdf”>2</a>. A similar prank took place during the Seattle WTO in 1999, targeting both the Times and the P-I. 

<p>The culture jam marks a new push in Seattle communities’ fight for greater police accountability. Last month, over 90% of youth participants at  three local high schools voted <a href=” http://seattle.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=15167”>no confidence</a> in the Seattle police. Hoping to expand that critique, the People’s Coalition for Justice has organized a <a href=”http://seattle.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=15787”>People’s Vote for Justice</a> for July 6 and 7. Citizens at locations throughout the Central District and South Seattle will be invited to vote on the question, “Are you confident that the Seattle police serve and protect everyone equally?" Results will be announced at a <a href=”http://seattle.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=15787”>Rally and Picket for Police Accountability</a> on July 17.