News Releases Archives

Department Statement On Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Status

October 19, 2021 12:16 pm

As of midnight, all but six Seattle Police Department employees have submitted their COVID-19 vaccination forms or are involved in an accommodation process, per city mandate. For those six employees, the separation process has begun. That legal process includes a mandatory Loudermill hearing. For more information, please see the SPD Manual. https://www.seattle.gov/police-manual/title-2—department-employment/2030—retirements-and-separations Meanwhile, 103 sworn and civilian SPD employees submitted requests for either a medical or religious exemption. While away from… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: General, News Releases, Statements and News Releases

COVID-19 Impacts to Seattle Police Personnel

October 15, 2021 9:00 am

The following information is accurate as of 5/17/2022 Seattle Police Department employees in quarantine or isolation: 20 SPD employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 (2020 – to date): 549 SPD employees who have tested negative for COVID-19: 1,136 The following information is accurate as of 1/21/2022 Seattle Police Department… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News ReleasesTagged With: Covid19, staffing

Officer Alexandra B. Harris — End of Watch: June 13, 2021

June 14, 2021 2:18 pm

Alexandra B. Harris — End of Watch: June 13, 2021 Commission date: June 20, 2016 On Sunday, June 13, 2021 Officer Alexandra B Harris was driving home after finishing her shift when she came upon a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 5, near South Forest Street. Even out of uniform Officer Harris remained committed… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News Releases, Statements and News Releases

Washington State Patrol Investigating After SPD Officer Killed in Sunday Morning Collision on I-5

June 13, 2021 2:46 pm

The Washington State Patrol is investigating after an SPD officer was struck and killed by a driver on I-5 Sunday morning. The SPD officer had just left work when they happened upon a collision on I-5 near South Forest Street. At this point in the investigation, it appears the officer pulled their vehicle over and got out to… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Alerts, General, News Releases, Statements and News Releases, Traffic and Collisions

SPD’s Crowd Management Changes

April 19, 2021 11:37 am

This past year has brought unprecedented demonstrations to our nation and our region, posing new challenges for our community and the Seattle Police Department. Our department has been the focus of many of the ongoing protests about inequities in criminal justice, violence in law enforcement, and SPD’s own response to demonstrations. Over the past… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: News Releases, Statements and News Releases

Chief Diaz Rescinds Email About Police Appreciation Dinner

April 16, 2021 4:55 pm

A message from Chief Adrian Diaz: “An internal email was shared this week informing SPD employees of a free appreciation dinner hosted by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Based on Graham’s history and affiliations, the email has raised concerns that the SPD may not be committed to the equity of our… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Chief of Police, General, News Releases

2020 Data Shows Arrests, Use of Force Continue To Be Rare With Those in Crisis

April 13, 2021 1:00 pm

The latest report on SPD’s Hostage Negotiations Team(HNT) and crisis responses shows arrests and use of force continues to be a rare occurrence when officers are dealing with persons in crisis. With 98 HNT responses reported last year, more than half of those calls were resolved either prior to their arrival… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Data and Crime Trends, News Releases

The Seattle Police Department Pledges to Advance Women in Policing

March 26, 2021 9:30 am

Today, the Seattle Police Department has signed on to the 30×30 Pledge – a series of low- and no-cost actions policing agencies can take to improve the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. The activities help policing agencies assess the current state of a department with regard to… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Community Outreach, General, News Releases, Statements and News Releases

Mayor Durkan and Chief Diaz Respond to the Mass Shootings in Atlanta and Rise in Asian American Hate Crimes

March 16, 2021 9:30 pm

Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and Chief of Police Adrian Diaz responded to rising hate crimes towards Asian Americans and the mass shooting in Atlanta that killed multiple Asian American women with the following statement: “The violence in Atlanta was an act of hate. We grieve with Atlanta and for… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: General, News Releases

SPD Statement on Mask Guidelines

January 17, 2021 2:07 pm

It has been brought to our attention through social media that an officer was seen not wearing a mask. All our officers and civilian employees have previously been directed to follow CDC and City of Seattle mask guidelines for their safety and the safety of our community. The behavior outlined… [ Keep reading ]