University of Kwazulu-Natal

Seattle Police Outreach Team Helps Facilitate Peaceful No Kings Protes

Bonisiwe Shabane
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seattle police outreach team helps facilitate peaceful no kings protes

This story used to deeply confuse me. A woman comes to Jesus begging Him to heal her daughter. She believes. She persists. And instead of immediate compassion, Jesus says something shocking: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” For years, I softened this passage in my head—maybe it... I’ve lived in the same spot for 30 years, but lately, my Social Security check is gone before the month ends.

I was literally eating toast for dinner to save money. Then a friend at the senior center showed me Food Radar. I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. The map showed five different spots within 2 miles of my apartment giving away food today. I drove to the closest pin—a local church pantry. They filled my trunk with fresh vegetables, milk, and canned goods.

I didn't know this help was right under my nose the whole time. WRIC 8 News reported that a beloved and influential Richmond pastor passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, after more than four decades of serving the community. Rev. Dr. A. Lincoln James, Jr., was the beloved pastor of Richmond’s Trinity Baptist Church for 45 years, according to a December 18 Facebook post from the church.

Having served the same community for so long, James was well known, and many people benefited from his leadership. You drive a nice SUV, live in a suburb, and think Food Pantries are for "those people." Wake up. You have $15,000 in credit card debt and zero savings. You are drowning in interest rates while pretending to be middle class. I was you. I was too proud to ask for help until my card got declined at Checkout 3.

The shame nearly killed me. But you know what? The rich don't have shame. Corporations take bailouts; you should take the food. Food Radar allows you to find help discreetly. Drive to the next town over if you're scared of seeing a neighbor.

Get the free groceries. Pay your debt. Stop pretending you are fine when you are suffocating. Pride is a luxury you can no longer afford. I worked for 40 years. The idea of standing in a "bread line" felt humiliating, even though my Social Security wasn't enough to live on.

But my daughter showed me Food Radar and explained it differently. She showed me that local grocers donate surplus food to these spots so it doesn't go to landfills. I wasn't begging; I was rescuing good food! I checked the map and found a distribution center nearby. I got perfectly good bread, deli meat, and veggies that were just close to the "sell-by" date. It helps my wallet and the planet.

This is outstanding. Well done peaceful Seattle protesters and well done Seattle Police! The POET officers are exactly what policing should be. I am so very proud to be from here and still reside here. This isn't the whole story, though. During the afternoon, a few dozen agitators in black bloc committed assaults outside the ICE facility in Tukwila, and later in the evening, protesters downtown started lighting fires in the streets again and attacking...

Neither group of rioters faced consequences, so they'll be emboldened to do it yet again. We encourage the thoughtful sharing of information and ideas. We expect comments to be civil and respectful, with no personal attacks or offensive language. We reserve the right to delete any comment. © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009 In a show of unity and peaceful protest, thousands descended upon Cal Anderson Park and marched through the streets of Seattle to the Seattle Center yesterday.

Officers from the Seattle Police Outreach and Engagement Team (POET) facilitated the demonstrators' safe passage, focusing on engagement and cooperation. The march, as per the Seattle Police Department, unfolded without any incident. In a display of collective power, participants proudly walked together, with some thanking the POET officers for their assistance. The team mainly comprises about 10 SPD officers, aiming to enhance coordination with community activities. Streaming down Pine Street, the protesters’ presence filled the city with a low, vibrant hum. Their ambiance was serene, grounded in the hope for change and clear communication.

A member of the SPD noted the importance of this connection with the community, stating that repeatedly throughout the day, people stopped officers to thank them or ask about POET, highlighting the bridge between... On a sun-drenched Saturday, June 14, tens of thousands of Seattleites peacefully gathered at Cal Anderson Park and marched through the city to the Seattle Center for a demonstration. The atmosphere was one of determination, punctuated by the rustle of handmade signs and the murmur of anticipation. As the crowd swelled, a sense of community solidified, transcending individual differences. Seattle Police Outreach and Engagement Team (POET) officers took time to connect with organizers in advance and during the large event, ensuring the route was safe and clear. Repeatedly throughout the day, people stopped officers to thank them or ask about POET, a group of around 10 specially trained SPD officers that provide enhanced cooperation, conversation, and coordination with the community.

The march began slowly, a river of people of all ages flowing from the park’s heart, down Pine Street, and weaving through city streets. There were no confrontations or property destruction — only the rhythmic shuffle of feet, conversation, occasional guitar playing, and chants echoing off the buildings. Parents pushed strollers, friends walked arm-in-arm, and individuals marched with heads held high, their collective presence a powerful statement. Three hours later, the almost two-mile procession began arriving at the Seattle Center, filling the expanse near the Space Needle with a mosaic of colors and faces. The energy remained one of hopeful solidarity, a testament to the city’s commitment to dialogue and change through peaceful protest. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) prevents crime, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services.

SPD operates within a framework that divides the city into five geographical areas called "precincts". These precincts define east, west, north, south, and southwest patrol areas, with a police station in each. Protesters fanned across Seattle as part of the national No Kings demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump's immigration raids and ICE policies. No arrests made as of early evening in Seattle, per Sgt. Patrick Michaud. How many people protested in Seattle today?

The Seattle Times says more than 70,000. We know that the main protest extended about two miles, packed with people. This does not include the protesters in other parts of the city and along Aurora Avenue North. Sgt. Michaud says his best guess is tens of thousands of people showed up. Our reporter has seen only six police officers today -- all part of a team that wears polo shirts and talks with protesters, rather than be dressed in combat gear.

These cops are part of POET -- that stands for Police Outreach Engagement Team. They are "trained to speak with organizers and the community before protests, aiming for facilitation, not confrontation," according to the police department's blotter blog. SEATTLE - Protests against President Donald Trump’s administration took place on Saturday in hundreds of cities across the U.S., including several in Seattle and Washington state. Seattle Police Department Police Outreach Engagement Team (POET) talks with protesters on June 14, 2025 The "No Kings" demonstration is a nationwide day of protests challenging what organizers call "authoritarian excesses and corruption" by the Trump administration. The demonstrations emphasize that "in America, we don't put up with would-be kings," highlighting concerns over crackdowns on free speech and defiance of the courts.

On Saturday, June 14, scheduled rallies will also coincide with Trump's birthday — and will run counter to Trump's military parade planned in Washington, D.C. In Seattle, two separate rallies are set from noon-3 p.m. SEATTLE — Multiple protests have commenced in Seattle and surrounding areas Saturday, including one during the University of Washington’s (UW) graduation. The “No Kings” rallies are meant to run opposite of President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., according to Axios Seattle. Saturday is also the president’s 79th birthday. One of the largest protests in Seattle history at Cal Anderson Park today.

Thanks for keeping it peaceful, Seattle! The Cal Anderson Park protest began its march just after 1 p.m., heading into downtown Seattle. The tail of the #NoKingsProtest has just left Cal Anderson. That’s over 1.5 miles full of people and not a single report of property damage. pic.twitter.com/UXDFxQPDGY

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This story used to deeply confuse me. A woman comes to Jesus begging Him to heal her daughter. She believes. She persists. And instead of immediate compassion, Jesus says something shocking: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” For years, I softened this passage in my head—maybe it... I’ve lived in the same spot for 30 years, but lately, my Social Security check...

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I was literally eating toast for dinner to save money. Then a friend at the senior center showed me Food Radar. I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. The map showed five different spots within 2 miles of my apartment giving away food today. I drove to the closest pin—a local church pantry. They filled my trunk with fresh vegetables, milk, and canned goods.

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I didn't know this help was right under my nose the whole time. WRIC 8 News reported that a beloved and influential Richmond pastor passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, after more than four decades of serving the community. Rev. Dr. A. Lincoln James, Jr., was the beloved pastor of Richmond’s Trinity Baptist Church for 45 years, according to a December 18 Facebook post from the church.

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The Shame Nearly Killed Me. But You Know What? The

The shame nearly killed me. But you know what? The rich don't have shame. Corporations take bailouts; you should take the food. Food Radar allows you to find help discreetly. Drive to the next town over if you're scared of seeing a neighbor.