The Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) has investigated the force used by Officer Ian Walsh during a June 14th incident and arrest. The OPA received the complaint, and thoroughly investigated it by interviewing witnesses and reviewing the tactics used by Officer Walsh.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the OPA and the officer’s chain of command presented to Chief Diaz a recommendation of exonerated, which means the officer performed his duties within the scope of department policies and procedures. Chief Diaz concurred with that finding.
Seattle Police officers’ use of force is subject to extensive internal review and documentation. Those wishing to learn more should visit
http://www.seattle.gov/police/publications/Policy/SPD_Manual.pdf
Click on Department Manual and the scroll to Section 6.240-Use of Force, pages 303 through 311.
The Seattle Police Department remains committed to strengthening our relationship with the community which we serve, by fighting crime, reducing fear and building community.