After an investigation, OPA writes a report called the Director’s Certification Memorandum, which explains the director’s review of the case and recommended findings. When a case is closed, OPA posts a summary online that describes the investigation, the findings, and any discipline the chief of police decided on.
OPA looks at SPD’s policies and training to decide if misconduct happened. A “sustained” finding usually means OPA determined it was more likely than not that an officer committed the alleged misconduct.
Below are some recently posted Closed Case Summaries:
2024OPA-0186 – Not Sustained
*Content Warning – this CCS contains details and photographs of human death, gunfire, and criminal investigation of child sexual exploitation.
The three named employees were assigned as the arrest team for an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) undercover operation at a hotel. After the ICAC team developed probable cause to arrest the Community Member, the named employees exited a hotel room to apprehend him. During the encounter, the Community Member produced a firearm from his jacket. As Named Employee #3 attempted to seize the weapon, it discharged. In response, Named Employee #1 and Named Employee #2 fired multiple rounds at the Community Member, who died at the scene. Named Employee #2 sustained a minor injury from the gunfire.
2024OPA-0238 – Partially Sustained
On May 31, 2024, a victim reported that a Community Member had recently been evicted but returned to the property and assaulted him with a walking stick. The victim also reported observing the Community Member attempting to set the house on fire with candles. Named Employee #1 and Named Employee #2 responded to the assault and arson call. While attempting to handcuff the Community Member at a bus shelter, a struggle ensued. Both named employees used force on the Community Member, including a head hold, punches, a knee strike, baton jabs and baton strikes. A passerby in a bus recorded a portion of the incident, posting the video on social media.
 In the News...
Connecting local police accountability work to statewide and national efforts.
Police Accountability Board discusses changes to membership requirements
Frederick County’s Police Accountability Board met on Wednesday to discuss possible changes to the legislation regulating its membership. Click here for the full article.
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:
-
OPA In the Community: Highlights from our community engagement team plus upcoming events.
-
For SPD Officers: Updates on the Seattle Police Department’s policies and training and information about OPA’s process, definitions, etc.
-
Closed Case Summaries: Summaries covering OPA’s investigative steps, the OPA director's analysis and findings, and any recommended and imposed discipline.
-
News and Information: Police accountability work happening in Seattle and across the nation.
Other Places to get OPA News:
|
