Seattle City Council Considers When Police Can Use Blast Balls, Rubber Bullets, Other ‘Less Lethal Weapons’

The Seattle City Council’s Public Safety Committee is reviewing an ordinance to regulate the use of ‘less lethal weapons’ by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) against protesters. The proposed law aims to address criticisms of SPD’s response during the 2020 protests and is a step required by the court overseeing the city’s consent decree. The ordinance would establish guidelines for the use of weapons like rubber bullets, pepper spray, and blast balls, emphasizing communication and de-escalation.