public safety

After Tragedies, Wrong-Way Drivers And Ignition Interlocks Get Focus In Olympia

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:53:19 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Recent tragedies in Seattle have triggered an emergency discussion of drunk driving laws. Governor Jay Inslee said Tuesday it’s not acceptable that it takes a fifth DUI in ten years before a driver is charged with a felony. But changing that policy would be costly.

Governor Inslee says he wants a “bigger, bolder” response to drunk driving after two high profile fatal crashes. Both involved alleged repeat drunk drivers.

Reading, Writing And An Armed Guard: Snohomish Sheriff Gets Deputies On Campus

The Conversation With Ross Reynolds — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:00:08 +0000

After the Sandy Hook school shooting when 20 children between the ages of 5 and 10 years old were killed in Newtown, Connecticut, some organizations, including the National Rifle Association, recommended armed guards.

Snohomish County is putting armed police officers in county schools, but the Snohomish County Sheriff says this decision is not influenced by the NRA. Ross Reynolds and Sheriff John Lovick discuss how six armed officers rotating through more than 100 schools spread out over 2,000 square miles will potentially work.

TSA Relaxation On Sharp Objects Gets Criticism From Airline Workers

Producer — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:57:18 +0000

TSA Administrator John Pistole has announced a change to the Prohibited Items List. Starting April 25 of this year, passengers can now include in their carry-on luggage some previously banned items such as small knives and bats. Pilot and air marshal unions have come out against the relaxation of the TSA's ban on sharp objects. Ross Reynolds talks with airline workers and frequent fliers about their thoughts on the TSA announcement.

The Sanka Party Brews Activism Inside A Mental Hospital

John Ryan — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 02:37:38 +0000

The Tea Party has become a fixture in American politics. But the Sanka Party? Not so much. Other than an interest in hot beverages, the two activist groups have little in common. The Sanka Party got started last summer near Tacoma, Wash., in the unlikeliest of places: inside the walls of the state’s largest psychiatric institution.

Seattle Grounds Police Drones Program

Cathy Duchamp — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:25:28 +0000

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn put an end to a controversial program where unmanned miniature helicopters equipped with cameras would be used to fight crime. Critics had privacy concerns about police surveillance. The timing of Mayor McGinn's decision could become an issue in his re-election bid.

State Commission Finds PSE At Fault For Gas Explosion

Sara Lerner — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 02:11:56 +0000

A state report has found Puget Sound Energy at fault for a gas explosion that injured two people in September 2011. The blast destroyed the North Seattle home of the Ingham family.

Call To Examine State Gun Laws Follows Conn. Shooting

Steve Scher — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell says he wants to explore the idea of a ballot initiative to let cities pass their own gun laws. Cities are not currently allowed to regulate guns beyond existing state law. We'll talk with Harrell about what changes he'd propose for Seattle, and hear reaction from Joe Waldron of the Gun Owners Action League of Washington.