The Renton Police Department’s zero-tolerance policy for scofflaws at the Renton Transit Center is paying off.
Since May 17, approximately 25 citations and written warnings have been issued and two individuals have been expelled. The enforcement continues through Tuesday.
“Our goal is to make sure people feel safe and we are making major strides in reducing crime in and providing our community with a safer, stronger and more vibrant downtown,” said Mayor Denis Law.
Starting June 1, the Police Department will boost its presence in a specified downtown core with newly reassigned officers in place 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. six days a week.
The city’s zero-tolerance approach gives Renton police officers the ability to issue warnings, issue citations and expel individuals from the transit center if they engage in unlawful or inappropriate behavior such as trespassing, littering, jaywalking, and unlawful bus conduct.
Expulsions can last up to a year for particularly egregious offenses. For less serious offenses, the expulsion is for up to seven days.
Reasons to get expelled for up to a year include:
• Camping, loitering, swearing, spitting, jaywalking and engaging in unruly activity
• Riding a bicycle, rollerblading or riding a skateboard within the boundaries of the Transit Center
• Possessing an open alcohol container; consumption or sale of alcohol; sale, use or possession of illegal drugs
• Brandishing or using a firearm
• Committing a sexual act
• Using a public address system or other sound amplifying devices within the Transit Center
• Engaging in gambling activity
• Committing a theft that may be punished as a Class A or Class B felony
• Causing damage, including graffiti, to any park property
The citations are part of an initiative recently unveiled to enhance public safety in downtown Renton and the Transit Center and added additional police presence along with strict enforcement. As part of the initiative, a community education period started on May 17 and is in effect until May 31.
Police are educating those downtown on the rules and issuing warnings to those who are in violation of the rules and ordinances.
“Keeping our city safe requires a cooperative relationship between our police officers and the community members we serve,” said Deputy Police Chief Tim Troxel. “We require the assistance of everyone in addressing the issues of crime and disorder in our neighborhoods. We need citizens to be proactive in helping officers do their jobs.”
Renton Police also increased their presence in downtown Renton during the opening night and gala event of the Seattle International Film Festival. Patrol officers, including a K9 unit, were in the area.
Whether having a “good crowd” like that at the SIFF gala helps deter crime is a “mixed bag,” Troxel said in an interview. “I would like to say yes,” he said.
The Police Department encourages sponsors of private parties downtown to hire security, including off-duty police officers, he said.
