Seattle’s Police Accountability System

History

Seattle started using civilian oversight of its police department in 1992. The City created a civilian department to review internal police investigations. In 2002, the City made this system stronger by expanding it into three parts. The new system included the civilian-led Office of Police Accountability (OPA), an OPA Auditor, and a three-member OPA Review Board. Together, these groups worked to make police oversight more open and responsible.

Current System

On June 1, 2017, Seattle City Council passed Ordinance 125315 to improve the city’s police accountability system. This new law created a three‑part oversight structure. It kept the existing Office of Police Accountability (OPA), added a new Office of Inspector General for Public Safety (OIG), and the Community Police Commission (CPC). Together, these three organizations work to build public trust in the Seattle Police Department by promoting accountability and making sure policies and constitutional laws are followed.

The infographic above is called “Accountability Partners” because it shows how the police accountability system is organized. At the top, there are three boxes: OPA, which “investigates allegations of employee misconduct”; CPC, which “provides community input on policing and police reform”; and OIG, which “conducts systemic and OPA audits and reviews.” Along the bottom, there is a large box labeled SPD with the description “supports and delivers public safety services.”

Police Accountability Legislation

• Police Accountability Ordinance 125315 (2017)
• Companion Resolution to Police Accountability Ordinance 125315 (2017)

View additional information on the Guiding Documents page.

Additional History
The links below are considered historical information, to be used for reference only. Details about its limitations are available in the City of Seattle's Terms of Use. 

Honoring John T. Williams, Fifteen Years Later (August 2025)

Mass Demonstration Memorandum by Accountability Partners (June 2020)

Office of Professional Accountability Policy Recommendation 2009 – 2010 and SPD Response 

OPA Auditor’s Report on the Seattle Police Department’s Relationship With Diverse Communities (March 2009)

OPA’s Internal Outreach Efforts (May, 2004)

Report on Seattle’s Response to Concerns about Racially Biased Policing (June, 2003)

Seattle City Archives: Police Accountability in Seattle, 1955-2020

This content was adapted from the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) website to enhance clarity and accessibility. Edits were made using M365 Copilot Chat in accordance with the Mayor’s Executive Order (EO 2025-03) and the City’s Artificial Intelligence Policy (POL-211). All information was reviewed and approved by OPA staff prior to publication.