UPDATE 5/13/21: Chief’s Response to Community Concerns The Seattle Police Department received many questions today about the next steps in accountability for the events of last summer. Chief Diaz issued the following statement: “The closing of the OPA case in question was not the end of the Department’s response to… [ Keep reading ]
A message from Chief Adrian Diaz: “An internal email was shared this week informing SPD employees of a free appreciation dinner hosted by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Based on Graham’s history and affiliations, the email has raised concerns that the SPD may not be committed to the equity of our… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Police Department will follow the law and has already issued this directive, effective immediately. This morning the Washington State Supreme Court ruled RCW 69.50.4013 unconstitutional. RCW 69.50.4013, also known to as simple drug possession, is no longer an arrestable offense. It also cannot be used as a legal… [ Keep reading ]
Tomorrow, the new monitor overseeing Seattle’s federal consent decree will file a monitoring plan with the court for the next year. SPD collaborated in developing this plan and will continue engagement with the monitor, City, and federal partners, to continue to ensure SPD is a model for a new era… [ Keep reading ]
I have been notified that the Office of Police Accountability has opened an investigation into three additional SPD officers who were in Washington DC on the day of the attack on the US Capitol. These officers self-reported to their supervisors and remain on duty at this time. As I stated… [ Keep reading ]
Today, Chief Diaz provided an update on the investigation announced on Friday, as well as the 2020 end-of-year crime statistics. From Chief Diaz: “As the Seattle Police Department stated on Friday, a member of SPD notified their chain of command that photos on social media showed several two SPD officers… [ Keep reading ]
Today the Seattle Police Department was made aware that at least two of its officers were reportedly in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. The Department fully supports all lawful expressions of First Amendment freedom of speech, but the violent mob and events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol were unlawful and… [ Keep reading ]
Today the Seattle Police Department is launching an important new partnership with an organization known for reducing racial bias in public safety; the Center for Policing Equity (CPE). The CPE is a Los Angeles-based research and advocacy organization that produces analyses to identify and reduce the causes of racial disparities… [ Keep reading ]
“I want to thank the SPD detectives, and our federal partners, for their extraordinary work in continuing to investigate this crime, and for identifying, locating, and arresting the suspects involved. I appreciate the extensive hours necessary to make these arrests, and in the effort put forth to locate the weapons stolen. We are eager to recover the still-missing weapons and ask… [ Keep reading ]