Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact Information
Jamie Housen
Email: jamie.housen@seattle.gov

City of Seattle and Seattle Police Successfully Exit Consent Decree, Marking New Chapter of Accountability and Community Partnership

SEATTLE — The City of Seattle and its Police Department were released today from 13 years of federal oversight when Federal Judge James Robart of the Western District of Washington granted the City’s motion to terminate the consent decree. 

Judge Robart’s ruling that the City had met the terms of the consent decree marks a significant milestone in the police department’s transformation into a stronger, more transparent, more data-driven, and more accountable agency.

"Over the past 13 years under the consent decree, the Seattle Police Department has undergone a comprehensive transformation, building one of the strongest accountability systems in the country and fundamentally changing how we approach policing. While reform and continuous improvement will always be part of SPD's mission, this process has equipped our department and the City with the tools necessary to continue this path of growth independently,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “We believe that returning control of our police department to the people of Seattle is the most appropriate next step, as democratic policing works best when officers have the trust and confidence of their communities. We respectfully requested the Court's final closure of this matter so we can continue building a police service that reflects the values and priorities of the people of Seattle."

Read Mayor Harrell’s statement to the Court.

Over the course of the consent decree, the City of Seattle invested more than $127 million to reform the Police Department, its operations, and management — an investment that resulted in lasting improvements in public safety, accountability, and community trust.

“While we embrace change and continue working towards becoming the best police department in the nation, we also understand that today’s ruling is just the beginning,” said Police Chief Shon Barnes. “With the community’s support, we look forward to engaging with all stakeholders as we work to cement change and innovation as bedrock principles of policing in Seattle.”

Under the consent decree, SPD made comprehensive changes to its policies, training, and policing practices to boost accountability, protect civil rights, and build trust between the police and the communities it serves. Today’s decision reflects years of dedicated effort by officers, city officials, and community partners, along with a commitment to continue this important work.

The Seattle Police Department has:

• Become a proactive learning organization. All officer activities are logged in advanced data systems, enabling evidence-based policing and self-responsibility.
• Implemented robust internal accountability processes. All uses of force, Terry stops, arrests, and bias allegations are consistently documented, reviewed, and evaluated.
• Improved its response to individuals in crisis. SPD’s Crisis Response Team pairs certified crisis response officers with mental health professionals to deliver improved results for those in crisis.
• Enhanced officer training. Officers now learn new skills in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and bias-free policing.
• Increased transparency. Body-worn cameras are now standard, and public dashboards share data on stops, use of force, and reported crime.
• Expanded community engagement. In partnership with Seattle University, the department has created neighborhood listening sessions that give residents a stronger voice in policing and conducts an annual public safety poll to assess the public’s opinions on safety and trust in the department.
• Strengthened the independent accountability system. The Community Police Commission, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Office of Police Accountability offer a valuable and effective oversight framework.

More background on the consent decree and the Police Department’s work can be found here.

“The lifting of the Consent Decree is a reflection of the great amount of work by the men and women of the Seattle Police Department to move the agency forward and meet the decree requirements,” said Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), who chairs the Public Safety Committee. “For more than 10 years, SPD was able to demonstrate their commitment to improvement while still maintaining leadership in policy in our country. This work will continue in partnership with the City Council, our accountability partners and our Seattle community.”

Although the consent decree has ended, the department remains committed to reform and community outreach. Under Chief Barnes’ Seattle-Centric Policing Plan, the department continues to uphold the systems and procedures it established for accountability, transparency, and engagement to maintain progress and foster innovation.

“The leadership, officers, and staff of Seattle Police are to be commended for the focus and hard work that went into making this happen,” said City Attorney Ann Davison. “I am pleased to file the motion for terminating the Decree, and I want to thank the Monitor, the Court, and the Office of the Inspector General for their partnership. I look forward to the next chapter ahead with SPD.”

Highlighting the department’s new direction, SPD is inviting all community members, including residents, small business owners, students, and advocates, to collaborate with the department to define new ways of improving public safety in Seattle. This fall, the department will launch the first of a six-part series across Seattle aimed at engaging with community groups to discuss how SPD is addressing neighborhood-specific crimes and what officials are learning.

What People Are Saying

Lisa Judge, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General

“The Office of Inspector General has worked diligently to build the capacity and expertise to assume the mantle of federal monitoring responsibilities. During the past few years, OIG has demonstrated readiness to provide robust oversight of SPD and OPA, bolstered by strong partnerships with SPD and the other accountability partners, ensuring lasting and effective oversight in Seattle. OIG was created for this purpose by the Seattle City Council, and OIG is energized and prepared to assume full local oversight, informed by the concerns and needs of Seattleites.”

Bonnie Glenn, Interim Director, Office of Police Accountability

“The Seattle Office of Police Accountability (OPA) recognizes this monumental achievement for the City of Seattle at the end of the Consent Decree.  As we enter this next chapter of policing and oversight, OPA remains committed to its vision of safeguarding a culture of accountability within the Seattle Police Department. OPA will continue to uphold high standards in police accountability in conducting timely, thorough, and objective investigations into allegations of police misconduct.  OPA looks forward to our further engagement with accountability partners, the Community, and the Seattle Police Department in sustaining this important work.”

Seattle Community Police Commission Co-Chairs Arlecier West, Joel Merkel, and Tascha Johnson

“The Seattle Community Police Commission was created by the consent decree, and our work continues beyond it. With federal oversight ending, authority returns to the people of Seattle, and we remain committed to ensuring that community voices shape the future of public safety in our city.”

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