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Seattle Mayor Harrell Defends Diversion-First Response to Repeat Offenders in Debate

The remarks quickly became a campaign flashpoint in his close race against Katie Wilson ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

FILE - Bruce Harrell speaks during a mayoral debate in Seattle, Oct. 28, 2021. Harrell is asking members of the city council who recently voted against adopting the state's controlled substance law to consider an amended plan. Harrell on Monday, July 31, 2023, offered a proposal that would align the city's code with new state law, making possession and public use of drugs such as fentanyl a gross misdemeanor. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, Pool, File)
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Overview

  • Harrell said he has “no desire” to jail an eight-time offender and would first seek the person’s “life story” to find help while stressing a duty to protect the public.
  • He framed his stance as a health-based strategy that prioritizes diversion and treatment, pointing to the city’s CARE unarmed response and buprenorphine use by the fire department.
  • The mayor said police must make effective, constitutional arrests and argued the department needs more officers after demoralization from the defund movement.
  • Conservative commentators and public-safety advocates condemned the comments as favoring offenders over victims, with radio host Jason Rantz leading criticism.
  • Wilson highlighted diversion options for arrestees during the debate, and the contest follows a primary where she finished ahead, with the general set for Nov. 4.