Progress but resistance toward Seattle Police Department reforms

Seattle police are making progress toward reform but a new report cites continued in-fighting and resistance among the ranks.

The outside expert hired to monitor reforms ordered by the U.S. Justice Department sees “considerable progress” in the first six months, according to his first semi-annual report. But Merick Bobb says there remains cynicism about the prospects for change.

“In-fighting up and down the command staff level has been a concern,” wrote Bobb. “The SPD does not appear settled on a unified vision of what it is to become. We are hopeful that interim Chief (Jim) Pugel will articulate that vision by embracing the Settlement Agreement (SA).”

The city entered into a court-ordered settlement agreement with the Justice Department after an investigation found widespread, systemic problems regarding use of force and bias policing.

Bobb’s staff reported making multiple visits to the police department’s five precincts. He found lack of active management of the risk of unconstitutional police misconduct.

“We are suggesting that the SA will require active management,” wrote Bobb. “The Monitor recommends that protocol be developed holding sergeants accountable for the constitutional conduct of the rank-and-file officers they supervise.”

In his report, Bobb says now is the time for skeptics to make peace with the settlement agreement adding he expects command staff to make clear that the agreement is here to stay, with a goal of top to bottom reform of the Seattle Police Department.