As Seattle gears up for the upcoming “No Kings” protest this Saturday, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) has outlined its approach to maintain peace and facilitate the exercise of free speech. In a statement published on the SPD Blotter, the department emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for both demonstrators and the city at large. Temperatures on protest day are anticipated to hover in the low 50s with a high likelihood of rain, so participants are advised to dress accordingly to stay warm and, dry.
The SPD plans to deploy its Police Outreach and Engagement Team (POET), a unit of officers trained specifically to engage with organizers and attendees in a communicative, non-confrontational manner. “When you see our officers at protests, you’ll often encounter the Police Outreach and Engagement Team, or POET officers,” the department stated. These officers are expected to build rapport with protesters and serve as a point of contact for any issues that might arise…