65A - POLICE OVERSIGHT DIRECTION

Home Browse Search

Seattle The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) is an independent office within the Seattle Police Department (SPD) that investigates complaints of police misconduct made by members of the community and complaints made internally by members of the SPD.' The mission of the ORA is to provide for civilian oversight of the complaint process; to promote public awareness of and full access to that process; and to advance accountability within the SPD. The structure of the CPA was designed to ensure objective, thorough, and transparent investigations. An independent auditor reviews all OPA investigations. The OPA Review Board (CPARB) furthers the mission of the OPA and assures public trust in the process. The auditor is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The role of the auditor is to ensure the thoroughness, fairness, and timeliness of the OPA investigations. The auditor reviews all the CPA complaints and investigations, reviews and assesses SPD policies and practices, and makes recommendations accordingly. The OPARB consists of seven members appointed by the city council. The CPARB's mission is to provide community oversight and awareness of SPD practices and its employee accountability system. The OPARB works with the CPA to implement its mission and strengthens the system of police accountability by doing the following: • Soliciting community input about police accountability and police practices • Conducting an independent review of the quality of the CPA complaint and investigation process for fairness • Reviewing police policies and procedures • Researching national trends and best practices on police accountability and police practices • Reporting to the community, City government, and the SPD on the citizen input it receives and the results of its independent review and research • Recommending topics to the OPA auditor for the auditor's review of the CPA' Since 2013, Seattle has also had a Community Police Commission (CPC). The CPC was created to help reform efforts under the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) consent decree; in 2017, new legislation made it a permanent entity with more commissioners and staff and broader responsibilities and authority.' 4. Office of Police Accountability, "Office of Police Accountability." 5. Office of Police Accountability, "Office of Police Accountability." b. Seattle Community Police Commission, "Community Police Commission. Civilian Oversight of the Police in Major Cities 65A-31