City Hall
Council Public Safety Chair "Welcomes" ACLU Request for Federal Investigation into SPD Practices
In a letter to Assistant US Attorney General for civil rights Thomas Perez and US Attorney Jenny Durkan yesterday, the ACLU of Washington requested an investigation of Seattle Police Department practices in the wake of what the letter calls a "pattern of violence" by SPD officers.
The letter cites half a dozen recent incidents of "excessive force" by officers, including a June incident in which an inmate who had been mistakenly released from King County Jail was beaten and Tased by several officers when he tried to reclaim his belongings from evidence; the infamous "Mexican piss" incident, in which officers attacked and kicked an innocent Latino man in a South Lake Union parking lot; the incident in which an officer punched an African-American girl who had been jaywalking in South Seattle in the face; and the shooting of John T. Williams, a deaf, inebriated woodcarver who was not facing the officer who shot him multiple times.
In a statement, city council public safety chair Tim Burgess said he "welcomed" the prospect of an investigation and praised Perez for his commitment to civil rights. "I welcome a review of our police department by federal authorities. I know that Chief Diaz has consulted regularly with federal officials and this collaboration can only strengthen the department. Our police officers should embrace this type of outside scrutiny and accountability that affirms their work and holds them to the high standards they set for themselves," Burgess said.
The letter cites half a dozen recent incidents of "excessive force" by officers, including a June incident in which an inmate who had been mistakenly released from King County Jail was beaten and Tased by several officers when he tried to reclaim his belongings from evidence; the infamous "Mexican piss" incident, in which officers attacked and kicked an innocent Latino man in a South Lake Union parking lot; the incident in which an officer punched an African-American girl who had been jaywalking in South Seattle in the face; and the shooting of John T. Williams, a deaf, inebriated woodcarver who was not facing the officer who shot him multiple times.
The ACLU asks that DOJ initiate an investigation ... because the disturbing incidents of excessive force inflicted on residents of Seattle, and especially on persons of color, have continued despite actions and statements from the Police Department and City leadership. The officers appear to inflict injury out of anger at the individual rather than the need to protect public safety. Distrust of the police by communities of color grows as a result, and it becomes harder for the Seattle Police Department to do its job of keeping all Seattle residents safe. [...]
We request that the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice promptly investigate whether the Seattle Police Department has engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of civil rights by using unnecessary and excessive force against the residents of Seattle in violation of federal law. The DOJ has the authority and tools to investigate these troubling incidents; to evaluate the SPD’s policies, practices, training and supervision; and to provide technical assistance, advice and guidance to the City of Seattle. Through such an investigation, the DOJ can significantly improve equality, fairness, and public safety throughout Seattle.
In a statement, city council public safety chair Tim Burgess said he "welcomed" the prospect of an investigation and praised Perez for his commitment to civil rights. "I welcome a review of our police department by federal authorities. I know that Chief Diaz has consulted regularly with federal officials and this collaboration can only strengthen the department. Our police officers should embrace this type of outside scrutiny and accountability that affirms their work and holds them to the high standards they set for themselves," Burgess said.
