Lt. Steve Paulsen, Capt. Joe Kessler and Community Police Team Officer Ken Mazzuca came to the Alki Community Council meeting on May 21 to discuss how they plan to police the beach this summer.

Paulsen explained that most police attention is being focused on evening hours, after 4 p.m. for general neighborhood concerns including noise complaints, parking congestion and juvenile mischief.

Certainly, in response to the May 1 shooting, local officers are striving to be proactive in preventing gang activities.

“It’s not acceptable to have children shooting children,” said Kessler.

Officers explained that they are trying to interact with groups of young people on the beach. They will monitor Alki by foot, bicycle and car and deploy officers as needed.

Some community members questioned why the mobile police station, which used to be parked on Alki Beach, has not been present. Kessler explained that the mobile requires two offices to monitor, and said he did not believe that was the best use of police.

“We are committed to doing our best to bringing whatever resources are needed over here,” said Kessler.

Throughout West Seattle, Kessler says gang violence is being addressed. From a police officer at Denny Middle School to the recently passed Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, he says long term solutions are in the works.

Paulsen urged Alki residents to report any incidents occurring in their neighborhood by calling 911, even if it is a non-emergency.