Seattle’s Police Accountability System

History

The City of Seattle began civilian police oversight in 1992 with the establishment of a civilian auditor to independently review Seattle Police Department internal investigations. The City extended this oversight in 2002 by creating a three-part civilian oversight system, which included the civilian-led OPA, OPA Auditor, and a three-member OPA Review Board.

Current System

On June 1, 2017, Seattle City Council passed Ordinance 125315 to overhaul Seattle's police accountability system. The legislation implemented a three-pronged oversight system comprised of the existing OPA, a new Office of Inspector General for Public Safety (OIG), and a now-permanent Community Police Commission (CPC). Together, all three entities work to generate public trust in SPD by upholding a culture of accountability and adherence to policy and constitutional law.

Police Accountability Legislation

• Police Accountability Ordinance 125315 (2017)
• Companion Resolution to Police Accountability Ordinance 125315 (2017)

View additional information on the Guiding Documents page.