Rapid Adjudication

What is Rapid Adjudication?

Rapid Adjudication (RA) is a special program created through an agreement between the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and the unions that represent SPD officers. It gives officers a chance to take responsibility when they break department policy. Instead of going through a full investigation, the officer agrees to a set discipline ahead of time. This process helps resolve cases faster for everyone involved; the person who made the complaint, the officer, and the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) — while still holding officers accountable.

Goals of Rapid Adjudication:

• Encourage a culture where officers take responsibility for their actions
• Solve complaints quickly for everyone involved
• Reduce the number of appeals and delays
• Allow the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) to spend more time on serious cases

Case Selection & Oversight

Rapid Adjudication (RA) can be suggested by OPA or requested by the SPD employee. OPA leadership reviews the case to make sure all the facts are clear and that the alleged misconduct is eligible for RA. After that, OPA asks for feedback from the Office of Inspector General (OIG). If the case still looks suitable, it is sent to the Chief of Police for the final decision. Having both offices review the case helps make sure the process is fair and thorough.

The following types of allegations cannot be handled through Rapid Adjudication (RA):

• Criminal Violations
• Dishonesty
• Force
• Bias
• Insubordination
• Failure to report serious policy violations to OPA
• Intentional or reckless violation of policy
• Retaliation
• Failure to cooperate in an internal investigation
• Any case that includes an Equal Employment Opportunity, Force Review Board, or Force Investigation Team investigation.

Process

Rapid Adjudication (RA) can be started by the employee named in the complaint or by OPA during or after the first investigation of the complaint. During this time, OPA:

• Does a preliminary investigation (collects evidence, reviews documents and videos, interviews the person who complained if needed, and checks the employee’s complaint history).
• Decides if the case qualifies for RA.
• Sends the proposed RA classification to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for review.
• Sends a written notice to the employee and their union to ask if they are interested in RA (this step is optional).
• Works with legal counsel to create a proposed discipline plan.
• Sends the proposed RA classification and discipline plan to the Chief of Police for review and approval.

Once the discipline plan is ready, OPA shares it with the employee. The employee can accept or decline it.

• If accepted, the case is closed and the discipline is applied.
• If declined, the case goes through the regular process.

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.

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