Judge James Robart declared Wednesday that the Seattle Police Department (SPD) was in “full and effective compliance” with the 2012 court-ordered consent decree meant to force reforms on a department with a pattern of excessive force and biased policing.
The decision launches a two-year period where the department must demonstrate that it can maintain the gains it has made — the department reports a 60 percent decrease in the most serious use of force cases and a decline in force used against people in crisis.
Mayor Jenny Durkan praised the decision in lengthy remarks reviewing the history of violence as well as the long process to improve the system.
“We have now reached a point where we’re in full and effective compliance, but the next two years are going to be critical, so that we can show that the Seattle Police Department can continue to stay in compliance with the consent decree, will continue to improve itself and reform itself, and address those issues that the monitor in the court have called out for the Seattle Police Department,” Durkan said.
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC
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