The Valley Civil Disturbance Unit (VCDU) – a regional team of trained officers from multiple South King County police departments including Kent – has been invited to assist in security operations at the Jan. 20, 2025 presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.
The VCDU comprises officers from Kent, Renton, Tukwila, the Port of Seattle, Auburn, and Federal Way. The team specializes in managing civil disturbances and ensuring public safety during large gatherings and high-stakes events.
Last spring, VCDU was requested by the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department due to the scale of the inauguration, which requires thousands of additional officers from across the nation to ensure a safe and orderly event.
The assignment reflects a significant honor for the team, allowing them to contribute to the peaceful transfer of power—an essential element of democracy.
“Being part of such a historic event is a huge honor,” said a Kent Police officer and VCDU member. “This isn’t something that we’ve ever done before, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to represent the state of Washington and support the security of our nation.”
The unit’s primary role will be to protect both people and property, ensuring that citizens are able to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully.
VCDU officers are trained to respond in various capacities, including providing a visible presence, working on bicycles, or remaining on standby in case crowd control becomes necessary.
The Chiefs of Police from participating agencies approved the VCDU’s deployment, recognizing the opportunity as a rare chance to contribute to national security efforts and represent the Pacific Northwest on a prominent national stage.
The VCDU was created to enhance public safety during high-stakes situations, drawing on resources and expertise from multiple agencies to respond swiftly and effectively to civil disturbances.
Video
Below is a video about the VCDU’s assignment, courtesy the City of Kent:
