Seattle grocers ask SPD to hire more officers to meet 'basic levels of public safety' The Washington Food Industry Association says its members are scared for their employees and shoppers and question why they continue to do business in Seattle. Author: Kalie Greenberg Updated: 11:15 PM PDT July 29, 2021 SEATTLE — The Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) is calling on the City of Seattle to address its crime problem. The association argues its members feel conditions are not safe for employees and shoppers. “Simply put, we need the city council to work with the Seattle Police Department to bring staffing levels up in a way that meets basic levels of public safety. Action must be taken to increase the number of police available to respond to emergency calls in a timely manner. The current response times are simply unacceptable. When you call 911, you expect a timely response,” said WFIA President Tammie Hetrick in a news release.