The White House today announced that Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole will be in attendance for President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address at the invitation of First Lady Michelle Obama. Chief O’Toole will be seated in the First Lady’s Box. Since being selected by Mayor Murray to lead… [ Keep reading ]
As noted today in the Federal Monitor’s filing, the Seattle Police Department’s Force Review Board (FRB) was found to be in initial compliance with Consent Decree requirements. This signals a major step forward and underscores the SPD’s commitment to reform and accountability. In particular, I’d like to recognize the tireless… [ Keep reading ]
I would like to announce the soon-departure of Chief Operating Officer Mike Wagers and thank him for his tremendous contributions toward making the SPD a national model for urban policing. I’ve known and worked with Mike since he was a Ph.D. student at Rutgers University. When Mayor Ed Murray announced… [ Keep reading ]
SEATTLE – A recent survey conducted by national polling firm Anzalone Liszt Grove Research as part of the consent decree between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Seattle to measure community attitudes towards the Seattle Police Department (SPD) has found the overall approval of SPD improving, disapproval… [ Keep reading ]
Mayor Ed Murray and Chief Kathleen O’Toole issued the following statements this afternoon after a King County jury sentenced Christopher Monfort to life in prison for the murder of Seattle Police Officer Tim Brenton, the attempted murder of Officer Britt Kelly and Sergeant Gary Nelson, and arson at a city facility:… [ Keep reading ]
This weekend, I became aware of a video in a New York Times article that showed officers in a de-escalation training session having a spirited discussion. I referred the incident to OPA to determine if the use of force incident referred to in the video was reported and within policy…. [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle Police Department stands committed to reform, and is energized by the enhanced training and new tools developed in partnership with the Federal Monitoring team. Our officers now carry with them the skills to de-escalate conflict and identify and assist those in crisis. When officers must resort to force,… [ Keep reading ]
For nearly six years, family and colleagues have awaited justice for the murder of Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton and the attempted murder of both his partner, Officer Britt Kelly and Homicide Sergeant Gary Nelson. I hope the verdict today brings some comfort to Tim’s loved ones and close SPD friends. Tim remains… [ Keep reading ]
SEATTLE (May 21, 2015) – Today Mayor Murray and Chief of Police Kathleen O’Toole announced SPD Safe Place, a public education and visibility campaign aimed at preventing and responding to anti-LGBT bias crimes. “Seattle welcomes all people,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “There is no place for bigotry or harassment in… [ Keep reading ]
Today, I provided this letter to our partners at the Community Police Commission, after receiving their feedback (PDF) on SPD’s demonstration management practices: Thank you for continuing your work to gather and provide feedback from our community. Enhancing community trust is of paramount importance to the Seattle Police Department, and I genuinely value… [ Keep reading ]
