City Attorney Ann Davison has come in ready to address repeat offenders as an important link to decrease crime and protect the public. Targeted are 118 repeat offenders who will get special treatment. The new High Utilizer Initiative identifies offenders responsible for repeated crimes across Seattle and reduce their impact on public safety.
The 118 individuals identified are reported to be responsible for more than 2,400 criminal cases over the last five years throughout the Seattle. Criminologist look at this program as an evidence-based – or a results-getting tool in the criminal justice system.
“These are people who are engaged in regular frequent criminal activity in the City of Seattle,” said Republican Seattle City Attorney Davison. The crimes of the 118 targeted includes 1,019 thefts, 589 trespasses, 409 assaults, and 101 weapons violations.
COVID has caused many cities to look at programs in similar cities that have worked to reduce crime. Some programs, like one in Richmond, California, pay offenders to attend classes in addition to providing wraparound services.
The King County Jail has not accepted bookings for non-violent offenses in the last two years. This is to keep the inmate population low to reduce COVID transmissions officials have said. The High Utilizer Initiative will work to coordinate the city attorney, the police department, the King County Prosecutor’s Office, King County Jail and service providers to try to enhance the outcomes for the targeted repeat offenders while at the same time reducing their negative impacts on public.
