seattle office of police accountability
The City of Seattle Office of Police Accountability (OPA) is an independent, civilian-led police oversight agency that investigates allegations of misconduct against Seattle Police Department (SPD) employees.
OPA's authority and responsibilities include:
- Establishing and managing processes to initiate, receive, classify, and investigate individual allegations of SPD employee misconduct
- Promoting public awareness of, full access to, and trust in the complaint investigation process
- Identifying SPD system improvement needs and recommending effective solutions
- Helping reduce misconduct and enhancing employee conduct
MISSION:
To ensure the actions of Seattle Police Department employees comply with law and policy by conducting thorough, objective, and timely investigations, recommending improvements to policies and training, and engaging in collaborative initiatives that promote systemic advancements.
VALUES:
Independent
- Make decisions based on the consistent application of facts, policies, and laws
- Maintain neutrality and exercises impartial judgment
- Ensure all viewpoints are heard and respected
Transparent
- Maintain honest and open communication with all stakeholders
- Communicate process, reasoning, and conclusions
- Remain accountable to vision, mission, and values, both internally and externally
Collaborative
- Build meaningful and cooperative working relationships
- Solicit and values the community's perspective and expertise
- Work with system partners on initiatives to advance accountability and improve Department policies and training
Innovative
- Set the national standard for police oversight agencies
- Explore ways to improve processes and services
- Data-driven and research focused
Visit our website: https://www.seattle.gov/opa
