King County’s Safer Schools strategy marks first year of progress

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recently concluded the first year of its Safer Schools Strategy, an initiative aimed at preventing school tragedies and ensuring safer environments for all King County children.

Launched in January 2024 by King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, the strategy addresses rising juvenile violent crime rates compared to 2019, despite overall juvenile crime referrals being at historic lows.

Since the program’s inception, 70 notifications have been made to school districts regarding students with pending felony firearm charges. Prior to this strategy, schools often remained unaware of such charges until conviction. The Safer Schools Strategy now facilitates early communication, enabling schools to engage in proactive safety planning and threat assessment.

The Juvenile Division, led by Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jamie Kvistad, has enhanced collaboration with local schools and districts, drawing on best practices from across the state. Kvistad has been actively meeting with superintendents, safety teams, and participating in district-wide safety planning sessions. She is also working with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the University of Washington, and the King County Executive’s Office on school safety initiatives.

In May, members of the Juvenile Division took part in Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Community Public Safety Forum at Garfield High School, engaging with the Mayor’s Office, Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Police, and youth-serving organizations to discuss community and school safety. In June, Juvenile Division Chief Jimmy Hung participated in a Renton Community Safety forum, hosted by the Renton Police Department and the City of Renton, alongside key community leaders.

Addressing challenges such as chronic absenteeism, firearm availability, and social media influence, the Juvenile Division is focused on improving communication among system partners and reducing information silos. The team continues to work closely with law enforcement on case staffing, warrant reviews, and legal training.

As the new school year approaches, the Juvenile Division remains committed to collaborating with schools, districts, and state leaders to bolster school safety efforts.

For more information on the Safer Schools Strategy, visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/prosecutor.aspx.