Councilmember M. Lorena González, Chair of the Council’s Gender Equity, Safe Communities & New Americans Committee, issued the following statement after City Attorney Pete Holmes filed a draft police reform proposal with U.S. District Judge James Robart for his review:
“After four years, it’s heartening to see that a draft police accountability plan, developed collaboratively between the Mayor’s office and the Community Police Commission (CPC), was sent to Judge Robart for his consideration. I’ve been eager to begin deliberations on draft legislation in my Council committee, and following the Judge’s approval, I intend to schedule public meetings as quickly as practicable.
“As we consider draft legislation, I will listen and garner feedback from the public, including holding evening public hearings throughout the council deliberation process. I am deeply committed to ensuring this process gives Seattleites the chance to provide feedback.
“Seattle deserves a police force and an accountability system in which we can take pride. As my colleagues and I begin the review of the proposal, I’ll be especially interested in the elements that establish strong civilian oversight, an independent body to review accountability systems, and increased civilianization of oversight entities. Our residents deserve no less.”