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Posts categorized under Chief of Police Archives - Page 10 of 13 - SPD Blotter

Chief O’Toole Sets Expectations for “Appropriate” Use of Force

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 ]

Chief O’Toole: SPD Moving Full Speed Ahead With Reform

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 ]

Carmen Best Promoted to Deputy Chief and Other SPD Command Changes

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 Bailey Announces Retirement

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 ]

Officer Reassigned Following Investigation Into Marijuana Citations

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 ]

New Chief Operating Officer and Interim Human Resources Director Announced

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 ]

Officer Suspended Without Pay Following Child Molestation Charges

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 ]

Chief Kathleen O’Toole Appoints Captain David Proudfoot As New South Precinct Commander

Captain David Proudfoot, a 25-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department, was appointed the new South Precinct commander on Thursday. “After hearing repeatedly from community members during the selection process of the need for consistent leadership at the South Precinct, I have asked Captain David Proudfoot to lead the precinct,”… [ Keep reading ]

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… [ Keep reading ]

Chief Bailey Announces Changes to Command Staff

Chief Harry Bailey has announced the following changes within the SPD Command Staff: Assistant Chief Joe Kessler moves from Operations Bureau to Homeland Security Bureau. Assistant Chief Paul McDonagh moves from Homeland Security Bureau to Field Support Bureau. Assistant Chief Nick Metz moves from Field Support Bureau to Operations Bureau…. [ Keep reading ]