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Officer Relieved Of Duty Following Use of Force Incident

A Seattle Police officer has been relieved of duty following a use of force incident involving a handcuffed prisoner.

The incident occurred on Sunday, June 22, when the officer assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau arrested an adult female involved in a domestic violence incident in the South Precinct. During the course of the incident, both the officer and the female were injured.

Because of the injuries sustained during the incident, the department activated the SPD Force Investigation Team (FIT). Representatives from the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) also responded to investigate.

OPA and FIT investigators reviewed digital in-car video and, based on that review, determined that additional investigation is warranted.

In keeping with department policy, the involved officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation proceeds. I have also ensured the department has fully briefed U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan and the FBI on the incident and have requested the Washington State Patrol provide investigators to assist SPD.