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January Newsletter
In Community
In 2024, OPA engaged with community members from diverse backgrounds, building connections, and fostering dialogue. The year concluded with several meaningful events, including a visit to City Hall to welcome the Delegation and Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, participating in an African American Advisory Council meeting, and celebrating Seattle Human Rights Day.
One of the highlights of the year was the 34th Annual Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum. On November 4th, now Interim Director Bonnie Glenn co-emceed this inspiring event, which brought together youth, adults, judges, and law enforcement from across Seattle to explore the justice system and career opportunities within it.
OPA’s Senior Community Engagement Specialist and Restorative Justice Coordinator, Geneva Taylor also attended, greeting participants and sharing information about OPA’s mission and work. The forum featured special guest speakers Sir Mix-A-Lot and Joyce Walker, who delivered powerful messages and inspiration to all.
To book OPA’s engagement team to speak at your event, contact Geneva Taylor, OPA’s Senior Community Engagement Specialist and Restorative Justice Coordinator, at geneva.taylor@seattle.gov.
[Pictured above: OPA Senior Community Engagement Specialist and Restorative Justice Coordinator, Geneva Taylor, discussing OPA’s work at the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum.]
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Samoa Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, and Pacific Islander Community Association of WA Executive Director, Sili Savusa. |
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OPA Interim Director, Bonnie Glenn, Senior Community Engagement Specialist and Restorative Justice Coordinator, Geneva Taylor, Anthony L. Ray, better known by his stage name Sir Mix-a-Lot, and SPD Detective, Denise ‘Cookie’ Bouldin at the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum.
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Attorney Craig Sims, OPA Interim Director, Bonnie Glenn, and Anthony L. Ray, better known by his stage name Sir Mix-a-Lot at the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum.
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Leadership Change at OPA
Bonnie Glenn transitioned from Deputy Director to Interim Director on December 13, 2024. In accepting this responsibility, she stated: “It is my honor to serve as the Interim Director of Seattle’s Office of Police Accountability,” said Interim Director Glenn. “I look forward to serving the people of Seattle in this important role, with the highest integrity, respect, and fairness to all. I know the importance of ensuring a well-functioning accountability system in strengthening community and police relationships. I will draw on my years of judicial and legal experience to lead the office forward with the incredible team at OPA.”
More information can be found in the press release from Mayor Harrell, which you can read by clicking here.
OPA's New Office Location
OPA has relocated to the Seattle Municipal Tower. You can now find us at 700 5th Ave, Floor 17. Our in-person hours are Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm. The 17th floor is not open to the public, but you can stop by the Information Desk on the 4th floor so they can alert us that you are here.
You can access the 4th-floor lobby via the entrance on the corner of 5th Ave and Columbia. If you prefer to make an appointment for your visit, please contact us at opa@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-8797.
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Criminal Justice Training Commission Investigations
The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) provides entry-level, in-service, and career development training to enhance skills and advance police training. Please note the CJTC is not affiliated with OPA and operates independently. If you have received a notice of investigation from CJTC and have questions, please contact them directly at (206) 835-7300.
To learn more about certification complaint filing and investigations, visit their website at: cjtcwa.gov/certification/certification-complaint-process.
Supervisor Action vs. “FYI” Supervisor Action
For Supervisor Actions, the employee will generally receive counseling from their supervisor within 30-45 days of the complaint being filed. As a reminder, there are two categories of Supervisor Actions:
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Supervisor Action: The complaint generally involves a minor policy violation or performance issue that is best addressed through training, communication, or coaching by the employee's supervisor.
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“FYI” Supervisor Action: May be issued for a complaint deemed unfounded through the intake investigation that does not meet the criteria to be closed as a Contact Log. In these situations, OPA directs the chain of command to take no action other than informing the named employee of the complaint’s closing.
For more information on the Employee Complaint Process and classification categories, click here.
Unsubstantiated Misconduct Screenings (UMS)
As a reminder, UMS forms and questions should be emailed to opa_ums@seattle.gov. Be sure to include all relevant information and ensure Evidence.com videos are marked.
Click here for instructions on how locate the UMS template in Microsoft Word.
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Following an investigation, OPA creates a Director’s Certification Memorandum that includes the director's analysis and recommended findings. When an OPA case is closed, we post online a Closed Case Summary (CCS) outlining the investigative steps, recommended findings, and discipline imposed by the chief of police.
OPA references SPD’s policies and training to determine whether misconduct occurred. Generally, a sustained finding means OPA concluded that an officer more likely than not committed the alleged misconduct.
CONTENT WARNING To promote transparency, these summaries sometimes include photos and other evidence that some may find disturbing.
Below are some of our recently posted Closed Case Summaries.
2023OPA-0043 – All Allegations Sustained
On January 23, 2023, the Named Employee (NE) struck and killed Community Member while responding to a Priority 1 overdose call in a police vehicle. The NE reached speeds of up to 74 MPH, nearly three times the speed limit, with emergency lights activated but the siren used intermittently. Allegations included conformance to law, modifying emergency response, safe operation of a police vehicle, and use of audible siren appropriately. OPA removed a professionalism allegation.
2023OPA-0399 – All Allegations Sustained
In Edmonds, WA, an off-duty Seattle Police Department officer, the Named Employee (NE) discharged a firearm at a car thief who had stolen his vehicle. The car contained NE's department-issued firearm, ballistic vest, radio, and other equipment.
Connecting local police accountability work
to statewide and national efforts
Minneapolis City Council approves consent decree for police reform and accountability
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis City Council on Monday approved an agreement with the federal government to overhaul the city's police training and use-of-force policies in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Click here to read more.
Detroit police oversight board launches dashboard making complaint data public
Was this Newsletter Shared with You?
OPA's newsletter is a great way to stay up to date on the latest Seattle police accountability news. As a subscriber, you'll receive the following content each month:
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In Community: Highlights from our community engagement team plus upcoming events.
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For SPD Officers: Updates on the Seattle Police Department’s policies and training and information about OPA’s process, definitions, etc.
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Closed Case Summaries: Summaries covering OPA’s investigative steps, the OPA director's analysis and findings, and any recommended and imposed discipline.
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News and Information: Police accountability work happening in Seattle and across the nation.
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