CPC Newsletter: July 31 | CPC statement on Auderer termination | Appeal FAQs | CPC survey

Community Police Commission logo
Former CPC staff Mergitu Argo and Felicia Cross

Summer changes at the CPC and sad news in the city family

We are happy to report that this summer we filled our first-ever Deputy Director position, who we expect to onboard with us in mid-August. We’re also looking to fill our open Commissioner and Co-Chair positions soon. At last Wednesday’s meeting, we put out a call for current Commissioners to throw their hat in the ring to become a CPC Co-Chair. The Co-Chairs play a vital role in guiding the direction of CPC in a variety of capacities.

Last week we reported that two of our beloved Commissioners departed the CPC, and this week we again have departure news as we bid farewell to two members of our staff team, Community Engagement staff Mergitu Argo and Felicia Cross (pictured) who left the CPC. We are sad to see them go and are thankful for the passionate dedication they gave to the CPC over the years. They will be sorely missed, and we wish them the best in their next voyages.

Finally, we were shattered to learn that a beloved close colleague who worked on public safety policy issues in the Mayor’s Office recently passed away in a traffic collision. Chandler Gayton was a lovely person who always showed up and had a smile on his face. He was helpful, friendly, warm, and well-liked by the colleagues who had the pleasure of working with him. We send our warmest love and healing to his family and counterparts in the Mayor’s Office during this difficult time.

Our next meeting is on August 7. We hope to see you there or online as we cover some of the topics included in this newsletter, and more.

Questions? We always want to hear from you. Reach out to OCPC@seattle.gov.

CPC Videos

CPC Bi-Monthly Meeting

July 24

CPC Bi-Monthly Meeting July 24

Watch this brief meeting to hear updates from Co-Chairs, news from staff, and information from SPD on Use of Force reporting.

CPC Bi-Monthly Meeting

July 3

CPC Bi-Monthly Meeting July 3

Watch updates from Co-Chairs & staff, listen to a welcome and introduction to new CPC Policy Director Linnea Lassiter, and see a CPC policy presentation on SPD Use of Force reporting.

CPC News & Updates

CPC releases statement from the Co-Chairs on SPD Officer Auderer’s termination

On July 17, SPD Interim Chief Sue Rahr announced Daniel Auderer’s termination from the department.  

CPC agrees with the termination and released this statement from the Co-Chairs in response. There is no room in our community, or policing anywhere, for officers who have the capacity to conduct themselves the way Detective Auderer did on that call with Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) President Mike Solan. This event has shone a light on existing issues within the department and Detective Auderer’s actions and behavior that evening serve as a reminder that we have a lot of work to do towards addressing the culture that tolerated that conversation in the first place.

Our hearts reach out to Jaahnavi Kandula’s family and Seattle Indian community members. We hope this decision helps them during this long and difficult healing process. 


Answering the FAQ: What might happen next?

We’ve received a few inquiries about what potential next move that Daniel Auderer could take to appeal the decision to terminate him from the department. Officers have a few different options to appeal decisions:

  1. One is to appeal through the Public Safety Civil Service Commission (PSCSC). For more information about that process check out PSCSC’s disciplinary appeals flow chart and read more about its appeal-filing process.
  2. More frequently, officers can appeal discipline decisions through the arbitration process. Since 2021, state legislation established a roster of specialized police grievance arbitrators at the state’s Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) to hear disciplinary grievances for police officers. All arbitrations that dispute police discipline, discharges, or terminations are required to be heard by one of PERC’s specialized arbitrators. State law also requires PERC law enforcement arbitration decisions to be published and made available to the public.

Take CPC's survey on police accountability

Speaking of the last two articles, as we continue engaging in advocacy on the next SPOG contract, we’re working to gain a baseline understanding of what community members know and believe about police accountability.

Please take 5-10 minutes to complete our survey to the best of your ability. Reach out to OCPC@seattle.gov if you need assistance or have questions.


SPD Use of Force reporting next steps

Based partly on data and community feedback received during a 2021 Town Hall on SPD use of force policy, CPC put forth the following draft recommendations for SPD to consider relating to its Use of Force reporting policy. The two recommendations include:

  1. An ask for additional reporting requirements for pointing a firearm (a Type I incident);
    • In part, this is due to community feedback and OIG reporting that Black residents are more likely to have a firearm pointed at them than other racial/ethnic groups; and
  2. A request that the CPC Director should not be removed as a consulting partner to SPD for use of force reporting, given the community voice CPC serves to represent.

Our next steps are to continue engaging with the CPC Police Practices Work Group to further develop these policies and present those recommendations at our next Bi-Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, August 7. Reach out to OCPC@seattle.gov with any questions or feedback.


Watch last week’s Seattle Public Safety Committee meeting

In case you missed it, check out the action-packed Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee meeting from July 23 covering the appointment of Amy Smith as Chief of the Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department, an update from Seattle Police Department Interim Chief Sue Rahr, and a criminal justice ecosystem discussion.

All of the presentations and questions give insight into the recent public safety work and priorities taking place across the city so far this year.


Webinar: Using policing & social justice to strengthen stakeholder relationships

NACOLE webinar on policing and social justice

If you’re curious about what other cities are doing in the community police oversight space, check out this recent webinar with some good examples out of Philadelphia, PA.

The National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) recently hosted a group of staff members from the Citizens Police Oversight Commission of Philadelphia to discuss how oversight entities can strengthen relationships with stakeholders by acknowledging a community's concerns and needs, beyond policing. The speakers addressed leveraging pre-existing connections and credible messengers in the community and creating meaningful community engagement opportunities.

CPC in the News

Check out these highlights of CPC in the news recently:

Seattle Times: Seattle interim police chief fires officer who made ‘vile’ comments

KOMO: 'Right and clear call': Reactions to firing of SPD officer over 'vile' bodycam comments

Capitol Hill Seattle Blog: SPD fires cop and union leader caught on video joking about crash that killed student

Upcoming Events

Seattle Night Out 2024

August 6 | Citywide

Seattle Night Out

Night Out is a national event promoted locally by Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention. It’s designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite our communities. Find Night Out events near you.


Next CPC Bi-Monthly Meeting

August 7 | 9:00 am | Online & Seattle City Hall, Room 370

Attend our next meeting to get the latest updates on CPC’s work. Commissioners gather both in-person and online on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public and agendas are posted to our website at least 24-hours in advance.

Visit our website Meetings page to find past meeting materials including recordings, agendas, minutes, and presentations. Recordings of each meeting are posted on the afternoon of the meeting.


Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle: Resource Fair

August 18 | 11 am-3 pm | Garfield High School

This free community celebration teams up with local vendors and partners to provide onsite resources and services including free food, activities for kids, raffle prizes, free child haircuts, backpack giveaways, and more!


Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC): Back2School Bash

August 24 | 12-4 pm | Be’er Sheva Park

For 21 years, the RBAC has put on this popular event to benefit local youth, neighborhoods, and families. With support from volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations, the Back2School Bash is a day of celebration and gathering for neighborhood families, full of music, laughter, and giving—including backpacks and school supplies. 

Learn more about the event and find out how you can donate to the cause.


The Community Police Commission (CPC) listens to, amplifies, and builds common ground among communities affected by policing in Seattle. We champion policing practices centered in justice and equity. The CPC is independent and led by volunteer commissioners. Learn more about the CPC at seattle.gov/community-police-commission.