When appointed chief in late June, I indicated that I would take five to six months to assess the existing leadership team and to determine how I will structure the SPD command staff going forward. Since then, I have recruited three civilian managers to fill the important positions of chief… [ Keep reading ]
Earlier this week, in response to an OPA Report, I sent a letter to the City Auditor requesting a review of overtime expenditures in the SPD Education and Training Section. After my initial letter, I also ordered a preliminary Department review of all overtime spending in 2014. Today, I sent… [ Keep reading ]
Today, the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) released a report highlighting problems related to overtime spending in the SPD Education and Training Section (ETS) in 2013. While there were no sustained charges against any individuals in the SPD, serious systemic problems were highlighted. OPA found that supervisors in ETS failed… [ Keep reading ]
Use of force by police officers has been the subject of much discussion in Seattle and elsewhere in our country. As Chief, it is my duty to provide clear direction to my officers and to ensure that they have the training, equipment and support to do their jobs safely and… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Police Department is moving full speed ahead in implementation of the Consent Decree and will not be distracted in the process. During a hearing in federal court last week, the honorable James L. Robart, who is overseeing our department’s progress under the Consent Decree, said it best: “get… [ Keep reading ]
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Carmen Best to Deputy Chief of the Seattle Police Department. Since I was appointed, Carmen has shown me she cares deeply for this department and the community. She is a respected leader within the organization and has demonstrated, as the current Assistant… [ Keep reading ]
Deputy Chief Harry Bailey recently notified me of his intention to retire (again!) from the Seattle Police Department on August 15, 2014. I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Bailey. From the moment Mayor Murray announced my selection as Chief of Police, Chief Bailey… [ Keep reading ]
As required by the City of Seattle, the SPD recently published its first biannual report relating to marijuana enforcement. The report is designed to provide another level of oversight for marijuana enforcement in our city and flag anomalies or outliers in enforcement. When reviewing data captured for this report, SPD… [ Keep reading ]
I am pleased to announce that I have added Mike Wagers to my staff as SPD’s Chief Operating Officer. Mike will oversee the Patrol Support Bureau, Administrative Services, Information Technology, Human Resources and Public Affairs. Mike most recently worked for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as the… [ Keep reading ]
I have just been informed that the Snohomish County Prosecutor has filed charges against a Seattle police officer for multiple counts of Child Molestation and Communicating with a Minor for Immoral Purposes. As Chief, and as a parent, I am deeply troubled by these allegations. I have immediately ordered suspension… [ Keep reading ]