On Weds., Seattle Mayor Ed Murray sent legislation to the Seattle City Council which will create the strongest civilian oversight of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) in the city’s history.
The legislation is the product of discussions with the Community Police Commission (CPC), Federal Monitor Merrick Bobb, City Council and the Mayor’s Office in order to bring the city into compliance under the U.S. Department of Justice 2012 Consent Decree.
“This legislation would never have happened if it wasn’t for the work of the 34 community groups who called on the US Department of Justice in 2010 to ‘investigate whether the Seattle Police Department has engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of civil rights by using unnecessary and excessive force against the residents of Seattle in violation of federal law,” said Councilmember Lisa Herbold. “I’d like to thank them, and especially Reverend Harriet Walden, for her tireless advocacy for police accountability.”
The proposal creates an independent Office of Inspector General to increase systemic review of all SPD policies and practices, transforms the Community Police Commission into a permanent body, and increases the scope and independence of SPD’s Office of Police Accountability (OPA).
“For the first time in our city’s history, there will be strong civilian oversight of the Seattle Police Department, including an independent Inspector General, a stronger Office of Police Accountability and a Community Police Commission,” said Murray. “Change does not occur overnight, which is why we’ve been engaged for months – years since the beginning of the Consent Decree – to ensure we get police reform right.
“This is a historic and critical juncture as this legislation reflects the strongest and most transparent police accountability structure we have ever had, and helps on our path to make lasting institutional change that builds trust between the police and the communities they serve,” added Murray
The package sent to City Council includes the following key accountability measures:
• Creation of the Office of Inspector General, a fully independent office, external of SPD. This office will have jurisdiction over all SPD policies, procedures, and operations with subpoena power to compel cooperation with investigations. The office will have auditing power of OPA investigations and will be charged with evaluating outcomes, investigating patterns of misconduct, reviewing major incidents, and reviewing all aspects of the disciplinary system.
• Fully independent Office of Police Accountability, whose leadership will be appointed by the Mayor. A mix of sworn and civilian investigators will be supervised by civilian staff. This office will have subpoena power to compel cooperation with investigations and will improve the internal investigation process.
• Transform the Community Police Commission into a permanent community-led body and formalize its role in the review and revision of SPD policies that affect public trust. The Commission will review and provide input on SPD hiring as well as recommend improvements to City policies and ordinances. The Commission will serve the lead role in engagement with the community.
“Since the early 1990s, city government has attempted multiple police reform efforts, but we have never had such a comprehensive and sweeping legislative package as we are releasing today,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess. “This package has the potential to truly change the culture of our police department and significantly increase community trust and confidence in our officers.”
“This legislation would never have happened if it wasn’t for the work of the 34 community groups who called on the US Department of Justice in 2010 to ‘investigate whether the Seattle Police Department has engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of civil rights by using unnecessary and excessive force against the residents of Seattle in violation of federal law,” said Councilmember Lisa Herbold. “I’d like to thank them, and especially Rev. Harriet Walden, for her tireless advocacy for police accountability.”
