Want more resources for the Seattle Police Department? Pay $20 a month.

The Seattle Police Foundation has launched a campaign it is calling the “$20 for your 20” monthly giving initiative calling on supporters to pledge to donate 20 bucks a month to the group that supports SPD with “proactive crime prevention efforts, lifesaving training and equipment, police-community partnerships, and much more” —

We are working hard to grow our community of monthly supporters, and for fun, we’ve added some official police jargon! Police use 10-codes to communicate more efficiently, (many are familiar with 10-4, which is like saying “affirmative” or “got it”) and 20 is the 10-code for “location.” The Seattle Police Foundation believes that we all deserve to feel safe in the neighborhoods where we work and live. Our $20 for your 20 initiative aims to improve public safety throughout Seattle by providing the funding needed to invest in evidence-based crime prevention tools, programs, and strategies that bring real results.

The drive comes as the city faces continued belt-tightening in anticipation of a more than $230 million budget deficit in 2025. SPD’s officers have also agreed on a new contract calling for a 23% boost in pay. The agreement also adds limited new oversight and accountability, and opens the door for City Hall to move more of its work around public safety like automated traffic tickets and property damage to teams outside the department.

Even with the boost, SPD has continued to struggle to grow its ranks as 911 response times continue to climb across the city — especially in the East Precinct.

“We want Seattle community members to feel safe no matter where they work, live, or play,” foundation CEO Cherie Skager said in the announcement. “Reoccurring giving is a meaningful way to support our work, as it helps ensure the sustainability and longevity of our front-facing public safety investments. Our primary goal is to improve public safety throughout Seattle, and we need the community’s buy-in to make that happen.”

Seattle Police Foundation funding has been used for a variety of initiatives over the years though some efforts like past gun buy-backs it helped support have fallen by the wayside. Lately, the organization has made support of the department’s mounted unit a priority, most recently raising $14,146.40 to help SPD purchase a new police horse.

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