Let me start out by saying that I have nothing against police, in general. They’re doing a mostly thankless, often dangerous, but much needed job, and are deserving of respect.
The Seattle police department, however, seems to consist of people who have forgotten their role is to serve and protect the public and have developed an apathy for the plight of the common man.
Two days ago, our car was broken into at Pike Place Market. My suitcase, containing all my clothes, make-up, toothbrush, medication, etc., as well as my mom’s camera were taken. The security guards at the Market parking lot were wonderful. They came within 5 minutes of being called, took pictures of the damage to the car, took reports on what was missing, and were friendly and helpful through the entire mishap. They eventually even managed to find my suitcase with some, but unfortunately not all, of my clothes inside. Right now, my mom’s camera, my underwear, make-up, and jacket are still missing.
At their instruction, I called the Seattle Police to file a report with them, a must-do in order for insurance to cover the damage and missing goods. I was told an officer would be there shortly and for us to stay with the car and wait for them. An hour later, I called back, and was told to be patient, they were very busy that day and then the dispatcher hung up on me. An hour later, I called back and was told that an officer had been en route but had been called off for an emergency. An hour later, I called once again, and was first told that they had no record of my previous calls, and then told to be patient once again. Forty five minutes later, I called to see if there was some way we could file the report over the phone, as we had to leave Seattle that day. I was told that was doable, and gave them my mom’s phone number in Spokane for them to call and do a report, but of course, they haven’t responded to that either.
Three hours and forty five minutes after first calling the police, we left the market. Within the five miles or so it took us to catch Highway 5, we counted no less than FORTY cops. Four at a Quizzmos deli, two standing on a street corner in front of a bar, four on bikes at the next corner, along with two on horses and two in a van, etc. etc. etc. It seemed that anywhere we looked, there were police. All of these officers were to busy doing exactly what to spend five minutes helping us??? I know an emergency situation would take precedence over a car break in, but you can’t tell me all forty officers we saw were responding to emergencies. No matter how low in precedence a car break in is, it should surely be dealt with within almost four hours.
Just to complete my rant, I’m taking a medication that makes me extremely sun-sensitive. All throughout my vacation, I’ve been studiously avoiding prolonged exposure, wearing lotion, etc. etc. The day we went to the market, I wore shorts and a tank top, as we were going to be inside, rather than out in the sun. I’ve now got a massive sunburn and rash from the tips of my ears down to the tops of my feet. I tried staying in the shade while we were waiting for the police, but it doesn’t seem to have helped much.
Thanks so much for all your help, Seattle police department.
:mad: :mad:
