Who really funds the Seattle Police Department?

In this episode we delve deep into the heart of Seattle's policing landscape, reflecting on the aftermath of the defund police movement that shook the city during 2020. We'll explore the complexities surrounding the movement, its impact on the community, and the aftermath of a now inflated police budget that includes cutting-edge police technology proposed for SeattlePD.

Get an exclusive sneak peek into the latest Seattle Police gossip, including the secret world of a Seattle police officer who finds solace in writing murder mysteries.

We then discuss the pivotal role of the Seattle Foundation in the city's policing universe, especially its involvement with the Seattle Police Department during 2020. Explore why targeting this influential institution was crucial for activists, and how their efforts continue to shape the discourse around police reform and police abolition.

Class is in session.

Guest: Justin from DivestSPD

In the heart of the neoliberal capital, Seattle, The Activist Class takes a closer look at the recent PR nightmare that the Seattle Police Department has found itself embroiled in. First, we delve into a leaked body cam video that sent shockwaves through the country. The footage captures the Vice President of Seattle's Police Union laughing callously in the aftermath of a tragic incident involving a South Asian woman named Jaahnavi Kandula, who was fatally struck by a police cruiser. We then turn our attention to a contentious Drug Bill passed by the City Council that threatens to revive the War on Drugs. This legislation will re-criminalize public drug use, setting the stage for a troubling sequel to an already disastrous policy. Lastly, we bring you exclusive audio evidence, via THE STRANGER, of an off-duty Seattle police officer using racial slurs to verbally harass his Chinese neighbor. Class is in Session

Three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020's nationwide movement to defund police, Activist Class is back. The same notorious rabble-rousers you know and love return to host Seattle's most important support-group — oops, I mean podcast. We're joined by Howard Greenwich from Puget Sound Sage, to talk about the recent wildfires in Maui and the PNW, our local homelessness emergency, and the ways disaster-capitalists exacerbate the crises they exploit. Later were joined by Real Change's Guy Oron, for our newest hyper-local news segment, Gossip Guy. All that and so much more. Class is (back) in session.