This story originally published at MyNorthwest.com
Newly elected Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing sharp criticism from police and community groups following allegations that her administration is directing officers not to arrest people for drug possession or public drug use, instead diverting all such cases into treatment programs.
The allegations stem from internal emails sent last week to Seattle police officers, including one from Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes outlining a change in how drug-related cases will be handled. Multiple sources told KIRO Newsradio they have reviewed emails from Wilson’s administration and Barnes confirming the policy shift…