Trust between law enforcement and community is earned. Every single action with a police officer either adds to or takes away community trust. Right now in Seattle, and in cities across America, we don’t have that trust. But in Seattle we’re committed to rebuilding it.
The @SeattleOPA and Office of the Inspector General will be reviewing and auditing SPD’s response to the demonstrations. OPA reviews individual uses of force, OIG reviews the systemic response. They’re independent agencies whose role is to hold law enforcement accountable.
@SeattleOPA In response to community feedback, we’re working to update policies to ensure we are displaying both the officers name and badge number at all times. I believe that we can allow officers to mourn the fallen while also ensuring community can easily identify officers.
@SeattleOPA We also heard from many this weekend that they had concerns regarding body cameras not recording interactions during peaceful demonstrations.
@SeattleOPA I believe @SeattleCouncil, the @SeaCPC, and the @ACLU_WA can immediately begin conversations with community and evaluating how we can continue to protect civil liberties and properly record body cam footage that allows for OPA and CPC oversight.
@SeattleOPA @SeattleCouncil @SeaCPC @ACLU_WA I’ll be meeting with the @SeaCPC and some organizers of the protests tomorrow. They have requested that protesters submit ideas and questions to this email: seattlesunited@gmail.com. We’ll make sure the broader public have visibility into ongoing discussions.
@SeattleOPA @SeattleCouncil @SeaCPC @ACLU_WA Finally, if you’ve been out protesting, please monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19. If you begin to exhibit symptoms, contact your health care provider to get a test.
If you don’t have a health care provider, call King County at 206-477-3977 for assistance.
If you don’t have a health care provider, call King County at 206-477-3977 for assistance.
