I have read the decline decision provided today by the City Attorney’s Office regarding the April 17th Seattle Police misconduct incident. With this decision, the Department will now commence an internal investigation into this incident.
I have directed that this internal investigation be given immediate priority and will proceed with all due thoroughness and speed. An internal investigation is governed by precise and specific due process requirements. Discipline for a sustained complaint may include suspension, demotion or termination.
The Office of Professional Accountability has responsibility for this investigation. The two involved officers were administratively reassigned immediately following the April 17th incident and will remain on administrative reassignment until the internal investigation is concluded.
This past May, the Federal Bureau of Investigation launched a review into this incident. The Office of Professional Accountability will assist and facilitate.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reviewed this case previously and declined to file felony charges.
Any and all allegations of police misconduct are reviewed thoroughly and treated with utmost seriousness. The use of any slurs based upon race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation and other gratuitous, unnecessary, unprofessional language by employees of the Seattle Police Department are not tolerated and are against department policy.
For more information regarding the Office of Professional Accountability, please visit: http://www.seattle.gov/police/accountability/