Statement From Chief Shon F. Barnes

The Seattle Police Division is strongly dedicated to supporting marginalized communities and work day-after-day to verify they’re secure in our metropolis, particularly in areas like Denny Blaine Park. We acknowledge the historic use of this park as an LGBTQIA+ gathering place and nude seaside, and we’re considerate about policing with the context of interactions traditionally between these communities and the police.  

The SPD is dedicated to supporting all of our communities, listening to their reputable issues, and dealing in direction of the very best, equitable resolutions for each name for service. It’s a steadiness that we obsessively try for and can at all times reevaluate our actions in hopes to be taught from them.    

Particularly in mild of historic context, merely being nude at this park will not be against the law. That mentioned, we should not have tolerance for unlawful indecent or lewd habits on the park. Each individual within the park ought to really feel secure. That is one thing I’ve heard from each park customers and neighbors. As Chief, my course has been for patrols which are aware of calls from the group concerning these points. We’re reevaluating the best way to use these patrols to finest meet the wants of the group and implement the regulation so as to present public security for everybody.