Feature

The Shooting of John T. Williams, 10 Years Later

A decade ago, a Seattle police officer killed Rick Williams's brother, a celebrated Native woodcarver. Nothing will ever be the same for Rick—or the city he calls home.

08/26/2020 By James Ross Gardner Photography by Lindsey Wasson

This Washington

State Legislators Plan to Pass Original Revisions to Deadly Force Initiative

"It really does remarkable work of improving our relationships with law enforcement."

12/03/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

De-Escalate Washington Campaign Delivers Signatures to the State

“Action on this issue is long overdue."

12/28/2017 By Hayat Norimine

News Roundup

Mayor Nominates New Police Accountability Director

Andrew Myerberg has been the interim director of the Office of Police Accountability since July.

10/31/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

DOJ Joins Seattle, Says City Is Compliant with Consent Decree

A favorable ruling from U.S. District Judge James Robart would allow the Seattle Police Department to move on to the next phase of reform.

10/13/2017 By Manola Secaira

Police Accountability

Seattle: We Are Compliant with Consent Decree

The city is asking the court to declare it fully compliant with the 2012 Department of Justice demands on police reform.

09/29/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Seattle Police Will Internally Manage Off-Duty Work

Mayor Tim Burgess signed an executive order to establish an internal, civilian-run office for SPD to oversee officers' secondary jobs.

09/27/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Appeals Court Upholds Seattle's Use-of-Force Policy in Cops' Lawsuit

More than 120 police officers argued the city's updated use-of-force policy violated Second Amendment rights.

09/19/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Charleena Lyles's Father Sues Officers Who Shot Her

Charles Lyles's legal counsel said they would not participate in the inquest hearing organized by the city and King County.

09/08/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Mayor, City Council Take Steps for More Police Reform

Seattle mayor Ed Murray signed an executive order requiring body cameras; and council members codified bias-free policing.

07/17/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Power Lines

The Shooting of Charleena Lyles and the Return of the Police Accountability Conversation

The death of a mother who called for help is the nucleus of a restored movement.

07/11/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Proposed Initiative Would Remove "De Facto Immunity" for Officers

The proposed November 2018 ballot measure would essentially allow police to be criminally prosecuted for unjustified use of deadly force.

07/06/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Where Police Reform Could Be Heading in Seattle

Could Seattle implement a policy to implement independent investigations?

07/03/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Black Women Take the Mic at the Hearing for Charleena Lyles

"Every time I mention my daughter's name, I start crying. She's never coming back."

06/28/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Family of Charleena Lyles Won't Attend Public Hearing, Spokesman Says

"We appreciate city council but question the value of this and who it is really about," Andre Taylor wrote.

06/27/2017 By Hayat Norimine

News Roundup

Charleena Lyles, Government Shutdown, and Health Care

A roundup of three top stories to watch out for this week.

06/26/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

5 Questions Unanswered About the Shooting of Charleena Lyles

Here's how officers are already supposed to handle mental health crises.

06/23/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

"I Don't Have a Taser," Officer Says Before Shots Killed Charleena Lyles

Seattle police on Monday evening released dash cam footage, a transcript, and previous incident report with the 30-year-old black mother who was killed by officers Sunday.

06/20/2017 By Hayat Norimine

City Hall

Council Passes "Milestone" Legislation on Police Accountability

The bill creates civilian oversight of the Seattle Police Department.

05/22/2017 By Hayat Norimine