Remembering John T. Williams as Accountability Enters a New Chapter

On August 30, Seattle marked fifteen years since the killing of First Nations woodcarver John T. Williams. John was crossing a downtown street with a block of cedar and his carving tools when he was shot and killed by a Seattle Police Officer. His death was sudden, unnecessary, and devastating, leaving a wound deeply felt by his family, his tribe, and the Seattle community. John’s killing was one of the tragedies that helped spark a federal investigation and ultimately led to the consent decree, the agreement that placed the Seattle Police Department under federal oversight. The CPC was created as part of that process, charged with ensuring that community voices are at the center of reform and accountability. Commissioner Joseph Seia, who knew John personally, reflected: “I lived right next to where he was killed. I knew him, he was very well known, he was a good human, a good neighbor, and very culturally rooted. We will continue to labor against all violence committed against Indigenous people and ensure that our public safety laws and practice reflect this commitment.” Just days after the anniversary, on September 3, U.S. District Court Judge Robart granted the City of Seattle’s motion to terminate the consent decree. For more than a decade, the decree shaped reform and brought federal oversight. With the Court’s order, that oversight has ended and authority returns fully to the people of Seattle and our local accountability partners. The CPC is committed to ensuring that community voices guide the next phase of reform. Ahead of the anniversary of John T. Williams’ passing, CPC Executive Director Eci Ameh reached out to his brother, Rick Williams, to offer condolences and invite him to the consent decree hearing. During the inspiring discussion, she invited him to join the CPC as a commissioner, and we are grateful he has accepted. Rick’s commitment to join the work the CPC does underscores the deep connection between John’s legacy and the work that lies ahead. The CPC will honor John’s memory by pushing for stronger accountability, true partnership between community and police, and a public safety system built on trust. Read Our Full Press Releases

Policy in Action

The CPC Policy Team worked extensively to assist the Police Practices Workgroup to research and draft a letter to the City Council asking that the Council decline to extend its Tech Surveillance Pilot. This process follows continued community engagement and amplified the voices of our impacted community members who are increasingly concerned about misuse of City-gathered information that could be used by ICE in deportations, and by outside actors hostile to Washington protections like gender affirming care and abortion care.

Through This Work We:

• Reviewed outstanding reports regarding the Surveillance Pilot
• Conducted significant research:
• to understand the Pilot, including meeting with SPD,
• to review the City’s outstanding commitments under the Pilot, and,
• to determine how the same kind of data has been misused by ICE and the Federal administration in other sanctuary cities
• Drafted a letter outlining the Police Practices Workgroup’s concerns
• Developed talking points
• Met with 7 of the 9 Councilmembers’ offices to convey the concerns

In the coming months, the Legislative Workgroup will:

• Meet to review OIG’s workplan to determine areas of alignment based upon the CPC’s Legislative Priorities and Issues
• Make recommendations to the CPC for areas of OIG focus and inclusion

And the Police Practices Workgroup will:

• Review several SPD policies and make suggestions and recommendations
• Review recommendations for OIG’s 2026 workplan

Through this work, the CPC remains committed to amplifying community priorities.

Upcoming Conversations on Police Accountability and Public Safety

The Seattle Community Police Commission (CPC) is partnering with Rainier Avenue Radio
and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle to host a Police Accountability Series on key
issues impacting policing and public safety in Seattle.

The first three events in the series will be radio interviews airing live on Rainier Avenue
Radio, hosted by Tony B and featuring CPC Executive Director Eci Ameh, CPC
Commissioners, and community voices. The series will conclude with a community Town
Hall on Police Accountability at the Columbia City Theater, which will be free and open
to the public.

Police Accountability Series Schedule:

• September 15 (5–6 PM) – The Consent Decree: Its impact on policing in Seattle
• September 25 (5–6 PM) – The Chronic Nuisance Law and its effects on
  communities
• September 30 (5–6 PM) – Police Surveillance Technology and public safety
  concerns
• October 21 (6–8 PM, Columbia City Theater) – Police Accountability Town Hall,
  free and open to the public, also broadcast live on Rainier Avenue Radio

“This series creates a vital opportunity for dialogue,” said Eci Ameh, Executive Director of
the Community Police Commission. “I’m excited for what this partnership can do to engage
communities and increase civic participation.”

Catch Up on The Conversations

Watch the Last CPC Meeting

Watch the August 6 CPC Meeting

Connecting with Community

At the Community Engagement Team, our mission is to build meaningful connections and ensure every voice in our community is heard. We’re here to uplift your voice and to make Seattle’s policing practices more just, transparent, and community centered.

Our team is dedicated and present whether it’s at community events, local meetings, or weekend gatherings, we’re out there listening, learning, and engaging with people across Seattle.

Your stories, your feedback, and your insights matter deeply. They guide our work and help shape policies that reflect the real experiences and needs of our community.

Together, we can build trust, create change, and move toward a safer, more equitable future for all.

Here’s a look at our Community Engagement team in action across Seattle:

CPC Staff with CPC Co-Chair Arlecier West and incoming Commissioner Rick Williams at the Consent Decree Hearing
Consent Decree Hearing | September 3, 2025

Mergitu tabling during the Yesler Health Fair
Yesler Health Fair | August 20, 2025

Mario giving his presentation on the CPC and accountability system at the YWCA
YWCA Event | August 28, 2025

Mergitu connecting at Rainier Vista Health and Back School Fair
Rainier Vista Health and Back School Fair | August 20, 2025

Join Our Next Meeting

Join our next CPC Monthly Meeting tomorrow, September 17, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Seattle City Hall, Room 370, or join virtually via Webex.

Learn More About Our Next CPC Meeting