Settlement Agreement History

DOJ Settlement Agreement

In July of 2012 a Settlement Agreement between the City of Seattle and the U.S. Department of Justice was signed.  The agreement outlined very specific requirements that the Seattle Police Department agreed to implement and institutionalize.  Since then Seattle has made great progress and has become a national model for other Police Departments across the country.  The key components of the Settlement Agreement have become the foundation of best practices for the Seattle Police Department.  The changes that have been made under the Settlement Agreement have been integrated and normalized in the culture and are now part of the Department's Standard Operating Procedures.

A major milestone was reached on January 10, 2018 when Federal Court Judge Robart found that the department was in "full and effective" compliance with the terms of the Consent Decree.  To demonstrate that the changes that were made are rooted in the fabric of the Department, a 2-year "Sustainment" period is currently underway.      

To view the Settlement Agreement click here

To view the Sustainment Agreement click here

Police

Sue Rahr, Interim Chief of Police
Address: 610 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104-1900
Mailing Address: PO Box 34986, Seattle, WA, 98124-4986
Phone: (206) 625-5011
Contact Us

Newsletter Updates

Subscribe

Sign up for the latest updates from Police

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) prevents crime, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services. SPD operates within a framework that divides the city into five geographical areas called "precincts".