The Seattle Police Department hears the many voices demanding real and lasting change in policing. As a result, the department has launched a first-of-its-kind new training program that focuses on relationships and wellness before law enforcement tactics. Before SPD’s new recruits attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission for… [ Keep reading ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
