New North Precinct Captain Seattle Police Department

The Seattle Police North Precinct, serving Laurelhurst and 23 other neighborhoods, has a new Captain replacing Captain Sano, who moved to the East Precinct. 

Captain Brian Stampfl, recently became North Precinct Captain, which includes these North Precinct Area boundaries.

Here is some information about Captain Stampfl:

Captain Brian Stampfl joined the Seattle Police Department in 1995 after serving four years with a police agency in Southern California. He was promoted to Captain in 2020 and is honored to have been assigned to the Seattle Police Department's North Precinct. 

Captain Stampfl has enjoyed a variety of assignments within the Patrol Operations Bureau, the Investigations Bureau, and assignment with the Office of Professional Accountability.

Captain Stampfl was first assigned to the West Precinct as a patrol officer where he also worked as a Field Training Officer (FTO). He later became a tactical officer and instructor for the Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff Department's joint training academy. In 2001, Captain Stampfl moved into the Investigations Bureau where he worked as a detective in the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit (SAU).  

In 2004, he was selected as one of ten detectives tasked with creating the Seattle Police department's first Crime Scene Investigations Unit (CSI). There he served as a detective and later as the supervisor of CSI. 

Tapping into his knowledge of forensic science and a passion for teaching, Captain Stampfl was invited to become an adjunct instructor at Seattle University where he taught a course in Crime Scene Investigations for over a decade. Working with college students and sharing his law enforcement experiences remains one of Captain Stampfl's most rewarding things to do.

In 2015, Captain Stampfl was promoted to Lieutenant where he was first assigned to the Office of Professional Accountability and later to the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Unit. Having come full circle, Captain Stampfl returned to the West Precinct where he served as a Watch Commander and Operations Lieutenant. 

Now as the Captain of the North Precinct, Captain Stampfl looks forward to building collaborative relationships with the communities of North Seattle.

Captain Stampfl recently told the Laurelhurst Blog about the recent spike in car thefts in the neighborhood:  

Here is how we are addressing these thefts:

 

Since my arrival to the North Precinct, SPD as a whole has been undergoing some significant changes, many of which have forced SPD to reconsider how we approach complex and frequent crimes such as auto theft. 

My Operations Lieutenant will reviewing the recent car thefts. in this response so that the information you’ve provided can be further reviewed and also shared with our district officers. 

The officers are being asked not only to provide extra patrol to these areas, but to identify patterns, such as the ones listed in your recent Crime Report published on the Laurelhurst Blog, to assist all of us in preventing these thefts.

In addition to SPD’s own efforts, we are fortunate to have a Seattle University Masters student who will be working within the North Precinct to identify crime trends. I have already spoken to Katelyn about the rise in auto thefts and our need to address them.  She will be assisting us in interpreting the crime data and developing plans to address the crime trends. 

For more information about the North Precinct go here.  

SPD Offering Free Vehicle Steering Wheel Locks

Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, who oversees Laurelhurst and 24 other neighborhoods in the North Precinct Area boundaries, would like to share with the community that frree vehicle sterling wheel locks are available.

Auto theft continues to be a concern in the North Precinct. I have received 24 more anti-theft Clubs to give out to the community for free. I gave out almost 80 last year. To qualify your car must be a model that is 1999 or older, or have been stolen in the past. Please contact me if you would like to receive a club and include your name and make/model/year of car. Clubs can be picked up at the North Precinct (10049 College Way North) only confirmation via email. Also below are some tips.

Auto Theft Tips: 

• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away, even for ‘just a minute’, please remember this is illegal in Seattle and in Washington (SMC 11.70.160, RCW 46.61.600) 

• Remove remote garage door openers from vehicle 

• Always lock doors and roll up windows, even if the car is parked in front of your home 

• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked 

• If possible, park vehicle in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit area 

• Utilize anti-theft devices

• If possible, activate alarm 

• Be observant- If you see something, say something and report all crimes and suspicious activity immediately to the Seattle Police Department by calling 911 and to report auto thefts that are not in-progress: call the Seattle Police Non-Emergency Number: (206) 625-5011

Tomorrow Seattle Police North Precinct Picnic

The Seattle Police North Precinct Picnic will be held tomorrow at the North Precinct (10049 College Way North) from 1-4 pm, which serves Laurelhurst and other northeast neighborhoods.

The event is sponsored by SPD and the Seattle Police Foundation and is an opportunity to meet officers from the precinct, the SWAT team, and the Arson Bomb Squad (ABS).

The picnic will have a variety of activities including storytime, music, kids activities, and a chance to see various specialty units, SWAT and ABS vehicles and equipment.

The information says:

The annual picnics held at precincts throughout Seattle is a project designed to facilitate positive community and police interactions across the city. Picnics in the Precincts provide an opportunity for each precinct's surrounding neighborhoods to come together and enjoy an afternoon of celebration with the officers that protect their families and businesses. Businesses financially support the event through donations and community groups assist in the planning and execution of each picnic.  

The first Picnic at the Precinct was held in September 2004 at the East Precinct. Since then, the Picnic in the Precinct program has grown to include all five precincts. Thousands of Seattle residents enjoy food, music, and an opportunity to learn about and interact with many of the Department's units, including K-9, Mounted Patrol, Bomb Squad, and SWAT.​ 

For more information go here.

SPD Offering Free Vehicle Steering Wheel Locks

Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, who oversees Laurelhurst and 24 other neighborhoods in the North Precinct Area boundaries, would like to share with the community that frree vehicle sterling wheel locks are available. 

The information says:

CLUB, CLUBS, CLUBS!  Do you have a 70s, 80s, or 90s Honda, Toyota, Jeep, or Subaru?  

Do you have a car that has been stolen before? Do you just really want a club and promise to use it?  

Email me back and I will bring you your very own brand new club for free!

Mary Amberg, also can help set up neighborhood Block Watch meetings, as well as meet  with neighbors to discuss current crimes happening in the community along with crime prevention ideas saying:

The Block Watch program was created to educate and empower citizens so they can be a part of improving their street, neighborhood and city. Block Watch is a program based on the principle that neighbors working together are the first and best line of defense against crime.  

Block Watch meetings typically take about an hour to an hour and a half. They are very easy to schedule and can be quite fun and informative. I can help facilitate the meeting and speak about area crime, crime trends, prevention methods, etc. You can make a difference in reducing crime and keeping your block safe. 

Contact Mary at mary.amberg@seattle.gov.  

Saturday National Prescription Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is on Saturday from 10 to 2pm.  

The information says:

National Take-Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. 

Prescriptions drugs can be dropped off at the Seattle Police North Precinct (10049 College Way North).

For more information go here.

Tonight Update On Recent Shooting At North Precinct Advisory Council Meeting

Tomorrow night, the Seattle Police North Precinct Advisory Council will hold its monthly meeting from 7-8:30pm at Cascadia Elementary School (1700 North 90th Street).  

On the Agenda is an update on the recent Lake City shooting. 

7:00 Welcome
7:05 North Seattle Shooting Update
7:35 Crime Prevention
7:40 City Attorney’s Office 
7:45 King Co. Prosecutor’s Office 
7:50 Community Police Team 
7:55 Business 
8:00 Precinct Update
8:15 Open Forum/Questions
8:30 Adjourn

Attendees: Katy Dwyer SPD Leadership Mary Amberg Meagan Westphal Deputy Prosecutor Sgt. Dianne Newsom Membership, Focus Groups, Issues Captain Eric Sano All

Informal networking with law enforcement and community members follows the Captain’s precinct update as time permits.  This meeting is devoted to promoting partnerships and information sharing between citizens and law enforcement and justice agencies to effectively address public safety issues.   

NPAC Blog​: http://seattlenpac.blogspot.com

Socks, Hats, Mittens Needed For Annual Police Drive For Family Shelters

Hand-made donations by Laurelhurst residents in the past

The annual North Seattle Police Precinct Sock Drive has begun and the Laurelhurst Community Club invites the neighborhood to drop off donations at Flooring America (3605 NE 45th Street).

Every year the North Precinct Advisory Council and the North Precinct Community police team collects new socks, hats, scarves and gloves for men, women and children of all ages to distribute to family shelters and the homeless. 

The past several years over 150 socks have been donated, a Laurelhurst Community Club Board member told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff. Several charities in Seattle need over 100 pairs of socks each month for those in need.

Several years ago, Laurelhurst neighbors hand knitted many of the 500 neighborhood donations of the 5000 total socks, hats and gloves received at the North Precinct.

Seattle Police North Precinct Picnic Tomorrow

The Seattle Police North Precinct Picnic will be held tomorrow at the North Precinct 10049 College Way North from 1-4 pm, which serves Laurelhurst and other northeast neighborhoods.

The even is sponsored by SPD and the Seattle Police Foundation and is an opportunity to meet officers from the precinct, the SWAT team, and the Arson Bomb Squad (ABS). Also at the picnic will be the the Mobile Precinct, and SWAT and ABS vehicles and equipment.

Hot dogs, chips, ice cream, water and soda will be available.

The annual picnics held at precincts throughout Seattle is a project designed to facilitate positive community and police interactions across the city.

"Picnics in the Precincts provide an opportunity for each precinct's surrounding neighborhoods to come together and enjoy an afternoon of celebration with the officers that protect their families and businesses," the information says.

Tonight Give Input On Search For New Police Chief

The City of Seattle is requesting public input on the search for a new permanent Police Chief.

A series of community events and workshops are being held in each City Police precincts.   

A workshop tonight, open to all Seattle residents, is for the North Precinct, which serves Laurelhurst and other northeast neighborhoods, and is from 5:30-7pm at the North – Northgate Community Center (10510 5th Avenue NE).

Seattle residents can  share their thoughts in person on the personal characteristics and professional experience that are most important for the individual leading our police. 

The City of Seattle has also launched an online public Community Input Survey.  

The 25 member Police Search Committee includes community leaders, including many with a criminal justice background.  The Search Committee is leading a national search process and is also working with a national search firm.

Following the community engagement process, the Police Search Committee will conduct interviews with applicants, the Search Committee will submit their recommendations to Mayor Durkan.

Mayor Jenny Durkan has said:

The next police chief must be able to lead our rank and file and be committed to an accountable, diverse police department focused on meaningful and lasting reforms and building trust in the community they serve.   

To find our next police chief, our Police Search Committee is committed to listening to all our residents, including those in communities that have the greatest distrust of police and the criminal justice system.  

The input and leadership from Seattle neighborhoods and communities is critical to helping recruit the right Chief, so I hope our residents will take this quick survey to ensure their voice heard. 

The voice of the community is a powerful and essential part of selecting our next police chief.  Our next chief must be committed, to deepening the relationship between our neighborhoods that have been disproportionately targeted by our criminal justice system; and to building a diverse and progressive justice system with meaningful and lasting police reform.

Go here for more information.

Socks, Hats, Mittens Needed For Annual Police Drive For Family Shelters

Hand-made donations by Laurelhurst residents in the past

The annual North Seattle Police Precinct Sock Drive has begun and the Laurelhurst Community Club invites the neighborhood to drop off donations at Flooring America (3605 NE 45th Street).

Every year the North Precinct Advisory Council and the North Precinct Community police team collects new socks, hats, scarves and gloves for men, women and children of all ages to distribute to family shelters and the homeless. 

The past several years over 150 socks have been donated, a Laurelhurst Community Club Board member told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff. Several charities in Seattle need over 100 pairs of socks each month for those in need.

Three years ago, Laurelhurst neighbors hand knitted many of the 500 neighborhood donations of the 5000 total socks, hats and gloves received at the North Precinct.

Seattle Police North Precinct Picnic Tomorrow

Tomorrow the Seattle Police Department's North Precinct, (10049 College Way North) which serves Laurelhurst and other northeast neighborhoods, is holding its annual Picnic from 1-4pm.

The information says:

Come join the celebration with Officers and Command Staff.  

This is a great event to bring your children to, there will be live music, hot dogs, ice cream and a bouncy house. 

There will be an opportunity to learn and interact with many of the Department’s units, including K-9, Mounted Patrol, Bomb Squad and SWAT.

"Picnic at the Precinct" is a project designed by the Seattle Police Foundation (SPF) to facilitate positive community and police interactions across the city.  Picnics in the Precincts provide an opportunity for each precinct's surrounding neighborhoods to come together and enjoy an afternoon of celebration with the officers that protect their families and businesses.  

 

Free Home Security Assessments Available Through Seattle Police Department

The new North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, is providing free home security assessments to those living in Laurelhurst and 24 other neighborhoods in the North Precinct Area boundaries.

Mary wrote:

I am providing free security assessments to local residents and businesses. My assessments are based on crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), target hardening, and utilizing quantitative information.  

I am also available to help set up Block Watch meetings for you and your neighbors.

Mary can be reached at mary.amberg@seattle.gov.  

Burke-Gilman Jogger Spooked By Masked Man

This information was provided by the Seattle Police North Precinct Coordinator as listed on the SPD Blotter:

Jogger Spooked By Man Dressed As Horror Movie Slasher

A woman’s jog on the Burke Gilman Trail was briefly interrupted Sunday, 9/4, when a man dressed as a masked antagonist from the Scream movies jumped out of the woods behind her.  

The woman said she was running along the trail near the 5200 block of 40th Avenue NE around 9pm when she heard a “whoosh” sound behind her. She turned and saw a man wearing a “Ghostface” mask was standing in the bushes staring at her.

When he began to walk toward her, the woman screamed and ran to a nearby grocery store where she called 911. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the masked man.  The woman was not injured in the incident.  

If you know anything about this incident, please contact police at (206) 625-5011.

New North Police Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Named

Mary Amberg

new North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

 

Seattle Police Department has finally hired a Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, for Laurelhurst and 24 other neighborhoods in the North Precinct Area boundaries.

 

Sergeant Dianne Newsom, with the Seattle  Police North Precinct Community Police Team, told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff that the previous coordinator, Elizabeth Scott quit to take another job. She held the position about a year and after that it has taken quite some time to find a new Coordinator. 

Terri Johnson was in the position prior to Elizabeth for about 4 years and transferred to another Precinct in May 2014. She took over from Diane Horswill, who was in the position a number of years, and lost her position along with 5 other Crime Prevention Coordinators from other Seattle Police Precincts in March 2010 due federal grant money running out resulting in budget cuts..

 

Mary Amberg, is currently completing training, which she said she hopes to finish in the first week or two of February, before she steps into her new role.

 

Mary sent the Laurelhurst Blog Staff this information:

I have a long history of working in the Criminal Justice System. I am originally from the Metro Detroit area of Michigan. I received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from University of Michigan.  

While going to school, I worked with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Internet Crime Unit helping them detect internet fraud and internet predator crime. I moved to Seattle about six years ago to finish my master’s degree in Criminal Justice at Seattle University.  

During that time I volunteered with the Seattle Municipal Court and worked out of the Seattle Police Department’s East precinct under their Crime Analyst at the time. Most recently I have been working downtown at Seattle Police Headquarters in the Data Unit.

 

The Laurelhurst Blog Staff asked Mary what her role is as Crime Prevention Coordinator and she said that it will be to "promote, organize and coordinate the participation of citizens and businesses in crime prevention program activities."

 

She said she will be conducting meetings with individuals, the community and business groups to provide information, training, education and problem solving on crime-related issues.

 

Mary will also be available to help facilitate Block Watch meetings to discuss ongoing crime problems and come up with solutions to reduce crime in the area.

 

Mary also added that she is an avid animal lover. She has two adorable pugs and loves riding horses.

Mary said she looks forward to hearing from community members and meeting anyone that is interesting in learning more about crime prevention.

Seattle Police North Precinct Picnic Tomorrow

 


Tomorrow the Seattle Police Department's North Precinct, which serves Laurelhurst and other northeast neighborhoods, is holding its annual North Precinct Picnic,

The information says:

This year’s picnic will be part of the Ballard Seafood Fest. You can find us in Ballard Commons Park at the corner of  NW 57^th and 22^nd Ave NW. Mounted patrol and K9 will both be on hand as well as various police vehicles including a SWAT van, a mobile precinct, a bomb squad robot, a Harbor Patrol boat and more! Officers will be handing out ice cream, popcorn and water.

 

 

"Picnic at the Precinct" is a project designed by the Seattle Police Foundation (SPF) to facilitate positive community and police interactions across the city.  Picnics in the Precincts provide an opportunity for each precinct's surrounding neighborhoods to come together and enjoy an afternoon of celebration with the officers that protect their families and businesses.  

Thousands of Seattle residents enjoy food, music, and an opportunity to learn about and interact with many of the SPD's specialty units including K-9, Mounted Patrol, Bomb Squad, and SWAT.

The picnics have always been held at the North Precinct (10049 College Way North).  In June the City acquired property, located at the southeast corner of Aurora Avenue North and North 130th Street, that will be the future site of the new North Precinct Police Station, serving North Seattle.

Learn About The New North Precinct Police Station On Saturday

 

On Saturday from 10-12pm, the Seattle Police Department is having a "New North Precinct Police Station Community Open House " at the Bitter Lake Community Center Annex at  Broadview Thomson Elementary School (13040 Greenwood Avenue N.).  

The information says:

 

The City has completed acquisition of property, located at the southeast corner of Aurora Avenue North and North 130th Street, that will be the future site of the new North Precinct Police Station, serving North Seattle.

Join us at the open house to learn more about the project status, preliminary designs, proposed schedule, opportunities for public input and more.

Go here for more information.

 

Seattle Police's Helpful Halloween Tips For Staying Safe

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent some helpful information on staying safe tonight:

How to Make Halloween a Real Treat

Know your route. Don’t take short cuts through alleyways, back yards or parks.
Whose homes will you visit? Advise your parents of your plans.

Make sure an adult is going along. If not, tell parents with whom you’ll be. Stay together w/your group and have a plan should someone get lost.

Only trick or treat at homes with front porch lights on. NEVER enter the house or car of a stranger.

Communicate when you will be home. Carry a cell.phone and call if you will be late.

Be able to see well and be seen in the dark. Carry a flashlight or light sticks. It makes it easier to see and shows you
where you are going. Reflective tape/material is a good idea to add to your costume.

Drivers have a hard time seeing you at night, so cross the road carefully and stay on main streets/sidewalks. Use crosswalks, and wait for a walk signal. Never cross from between parked cars.

Make sure costume is safe. Be careful of open flames from pumpkins and candles, as they can catch
your costume and long wigs on fire. Make up is safer than a mask, which can make seeing difficult. Are your shoes safe and comfortable for walking?

Have your parents check out your candy when you get home before you eat any.

Tips for greeting treaters at at home:
Greet the chidlren at the door.
Remove obstacles from sidewalk, porch and steps.
Keep a light on, so treaters can see where they are walking.
Use your peep hole and look outside before opening the door.
Don’t leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween.

Pet tips:
Be mindful of pets around lit pumpkins.
Chocolate is poisonous to animals, as is tin foil or candy wrappers.

Remember you can call 9-1-1 to report suspicious or criminal activity, 24 hours a day.

Useful City Phone Numbers To Report Various Crimes

The North Precinct of the Seattle Police Department sent some useful phone numbers to report various types of crime:

They add:

Help keep your neighborhood safe: If you see questionable behavior--CALL IT IN. Report activity to 911 or Vice Unit at 206-684-8660. Be prepared with time, date, location and as many specifics as you can gather: license, activity observed, description (clothing, age, race) of the individuals involved, etc. For chronic, on-going problems that have not been resolved with 9-1-1 call North Precinct Community Policing Team - (206) 684-0794.

Resources list:

• Report Abandoned Vehicles - 684.8763 or https://web1.seattle.gov/police/AbandonedVehicles/Present/AbandonedVehicle.aspx
• Report graffiti on public or private property at 206-684-7587 or http://www2.seattle.gov/util/forms/graffiti/graffitiForm.asp
• Report Metro bus stop graffiti at 206-684-1800. Be prepared with description, location, and shelter number.
• Report illegal dumping on public property at 206-684-7587 or http://www2.seattle.gov/util/forms/illegalDumping/illegalDumpForm.asp Be prepared with description, address, and specific location. Trash on private property can be reported here http://www.seattle.gov/util/Services/Garbage/KeepSeattleClean/ReportIllegalDumping/index.htm
• Report vegetation overgrowth or vegetation obscuring street/alley/sidewalk/traffic sign http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/complaintform/
• Report failed street lights at City Light at (206) 684-7056 or http://www.seattle.gov/light/streetlight/form.asp Be prepared with nearest address and the pole number.
• Report potholes, sidewalks, street signs, traffic lights at 206-684-ROAD (7623) or by visiting www.seattle.gov/pothole. Track pothole requests by visiting the City’s pothole map at web1.seattle.gov/SDOT/potholemap/.
• Report noise: http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/prevention/Neighborhood/noise.htm Call 911 to complain about activity that might be illicit

Police report information–certain crimes–is now available on the web here http://www.seattle.gov/police/records/default.htm