Garfield has had a dedicated police officer present outdoors on campus for much of the past year. The response from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and incidents of violence around the school dropped significantly last year. The presence of a dedicated officer will end within 30 days unless the Seattle School Board votes on September 17th to move forward with a more formal pilot program allowing a “School Engagement Officer” to work at Garfield. 

What is an SEO and why are we talking about it?

• In the wake of recent gun violence around Garfield, many students, staff and families have been asking for increased security on campus.
• Based on input from the Garfield community (students, staff, principal, families), a School Engagement Officer (SEO) is a model that many support bringing to Garfield through a pilot program.  But this requires the Seattle School Board to discontinue their moratorium that banned any police officers from working in school buildings. We have previously advocated that the Board only grant an exception for Garfield and not make changes that would affect the whole district.

What measures would be taken to ensure that the officer’s presence would be positive and welcomed by students?

• The pilot program structure and selection of the right officer for this position are being considered carefully with the student experience and student safety at the forefront of the discussion.  The SEO’s attire will be more casual, while still clearly identifying as a police officer, they will wear polo shirts and khaki pants. Their other gear will be limited (e.g. no less-lethal weapons). As a police officer, who must be ready to respond in case of an emergency, and to comply with state law, the SEO will carry a sidearm (handgun) in a holster worn at the hip or waist. They will not have other weapons.

Is there an officer in mind for this?

• Yes. Officer Ella Brooks, who has already been working in a temporary position at Garfield for the past year with a noticeable positive impact. 

What other steps have been taken aside from the potential SEO pilot?

• Community Passageways (CP) has an exterior presence, mainly at 23rd and Jefferson before and after school, during lunch. CP mission statement: “We create alternatives to incarceration for youth and young adults by rebuilding our communities through committed relationships centered on love, compassion, and consistency.”

I’ve heard that a Seattle student group, Seattle Student Union, opposes this idea.

• Some individuals who are not part of the Garfield community have spoken out in the media and at school board meetings, opposing the presence of police officers in schools. This is a complex issue, and differing opinions are valid. However, Garfield has faced a level of violence that is not comparable to most other Seattle schools, which is why many in our community are asking for stronger safety measures.
• A small, self-formed group calling itself the “Seattle Student Union” has publicly opposed the SEO proposal. This group is not based at Garfield, is not elected, and is not a recognized representative body for Seattle students. While they are entitled to their perspective, their statements should not be taken as representing the views of Garfield students, staff, or families.