Seattle Police to increase patrol in seven neighborhoods

You may notice more police in your neighborhood if you live in places like Fremont, Ballard and South Park.

The City of Seattle is going to increase patrols in seven neighborhoods in the coming weeks as part of a "pre-summer emphasis patrol."

Mayor Jenny Durkan said the plan to improve public safety will also address certain maintenance issues like replacing street lights and removing debris from illegal dumping.

She said this program has nothing to do with growing criticism of the city’s handling of the homeless crisis.

The areas with more officer presence include:

• Downtown, in the Third Avenue corridor between Pike and Pine Streets
• Sodo
• South Park
• Georgetown
• Pioneer Square
• Fremont
• Ballard