Seattle, Justice Department clash over police reforms

A top U.S. government attorney says it’s time for the city
to “get serious” about efforts to reform the Seattle
Police Department.

The city and the U.S. Justice Department are attempting to
reach a settlement and avoid a lawsuit after an
investigation found police engaged in a pattern of use of
excessive force.

The Justice Department’s top civil rights attorney,
Jonathan Smith, has
written two letters to the Seattle City Attorney Pete
Holmes, one criticizing
Seattle for its response to proposed remedies. Sources
tell
The Seattle
Times the language is scathing.

When asked about the letter and progress of negotiations,
city leaders decline to pour gasoline on the fire. Holmes
characterizes the letters as direct.

A spokesman for Mayor Mike McGinn promises to continue to
work in good faith toward an agreement. Recently, the
mayor complained the costs of suggested police reforms are
way too high and would force the city to cut other vital
services.