Seattle’s new “This Is My Neighborhood” campaign seeks to call attention to a renewed police diversity hiring program to enhance the department’s community policing strategy.
“We’re doubling down on our work to hire new officers who represent the diverse communities we serve,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan.
Of its 108 officer hires in 2019, 39% were officers of color. The department ended the year with 1,369 sworn officers, both of which are historic hiring and diversity numbers for Seattle police.
In her announcement, Durkan noted a national shortage of police officers compared to the pace cities such as Seattle are growing. The “This Is My Neighborhood” campaign will feature billboards of police officers monthly throughout the city.
Read more and watch a video of Officer Judinna Gulpan, who transitioned from a fashion retail career to join the Seattle police department.
