Here's how Seattle Police Department spends over $400 million in funding

As the Defund Seattle Police March and Rally for Black Lives take place at the Cal Anderson Park on Wednesday, it’s important to educate yourself on where the funding is being dispersed around the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

The SPD currently divides its operations into the east, west, north, south, and southwest patrol areas, with a police station in each area.

This “organizational model places neighborhood-based emergency response services at its core, allowing SPD the greatest flexibility in managing public safety,” says the SPD. “Under this model, neighborhood-based personnel in each precinct assume responsibility for public safety management, primary crime prevention and law enforcement.”

Each precinct is given its own budget, which it can spend at their discretion.

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The City of Seattle’s budget is announced with a proposed sum the year before and a real sum the year of. In 2020, the proposed Seattle Police Department budget was set at $409,538,851.02. The endorsed amount, the amount the City actually received this year, is $401,715,774 — $2.97 million more than they received in 2019.

Here’s how the $401 million was split this year:

City of Seattle

According to the City, police officers can make up to $109,512 a year. Overtime and compensatory time is paid at time and a half, with a three-hour minimum for court and off-duty callouts.

Benefits listed on the city website include a yearly uniform allowance of $550, a Glock 9 mm or .40 caliber duty weapon, and a take-home portable police radio. More experienced officers, laterals, have the option of a .45 caliber instead, issued by the SPD.

City of Seattle

If you’re wondering how the rest of budgeting in King County works, this informative video by the City can tell you more.

Daily Hive has reached out to the Seattle Police Department for a breakdown of each precinct’s spending.