Grimy Times
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has made significant strides in addressing misconduct, particularly when it comes to intermediate-level uses of force. A recent assessment by Federal Monitor Merrick Bobb found SPD to be in initial compliance with requirements related to intermediate-level Type II uses of force.
According to the assessment, which was filed with the U.S. District Court on January 27, 2017, the SPD’s sergeants, lieutenants, and captains have made commendable progress in conducting thorough investigations and reviews of force incidents consistent with SPD policies.
The re-assessment focused on the immediate supervisor’s response to Type II incidents, the initial classification of the type of force used, and the subsequent investigations by sergeants and the review by lieutenants and captains. The conclusion that SPD is in initial compliance with its obligations under the Consent Decree and SPD policy is based on a review of all Type II incidents from January through March 2016, of which there were only 27.
This relative infrequency of force usage highlights the importance of having robust oversight over lower-level uses of force. The Monitor noted significant improvement and solid progress since his initial assessment of supervisors’ investigations and review of Type II uses of force.
The SPD has been under scrutiny for misconduct in the past, but this recent assessment suggests a commitment to full, fair, and rigorous investigations and reviews of force incidents. The department’s new crowd management policy and body-worn camera plan have also been filed with the Court.
Previous assessments found SPD to be in initial compliance with requirements relating to crisis intervention, the Office of Professional Accountability, use of force reporting and investigations, and the Force Review Board. Upcoming assessments will examine SPD’s use of force and Terry stops, and the Early Intervention System.
Defendant: Seattle Police Department, Misconduct, Washington 2017
Defendant/respondent: Seattle Police Department
Exact criminal charges: Misconduct
City and state: Seattle, Washington
Exact date: January 27, 2017
Sentence or outcome: Initial compliance with requirements related to intermediate-level Type II uses of force
Dollar amounts: N/A
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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