Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Bruce Harrell’s statement on DOJ monitor appointment
Today, U.S. District Judge James Robart issued a court order approving Merrick Bobb as the monitor, signifying a critical checkpoint in the DOJ settlement agreement.
“This marks a significant step toward ensuring strong compliance with the settlement agreement reached with the Department of Justice,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Technology and Civil Rights Committee. “I am confident Mr. Bobb will build strong relations with the Seattle community and our police department, negating any concern that he will be less than objective in his approach.”
On Monday, October 22, the Seattle City Council passed Resolution 31414, providing guidance to City Attorney Pete Holmes in filing the City’s recommendation of the Seattle Police Department Monitor. The City Council recommended Merrick Bobb, the nation’s leading expert in police accountability and police reforms, as the preferred monitor. Furthermore, the City Council passed Council Bill 117608 on October 22, establishing the Community Police Commission by ordinance. The 15-member community commission will review and make recommendations on use of force and biased policing policies.
Seattle will now move forward to advance the necessary reform policies. At the heart of this, the people of Seattle must see strong, unison leadership from elected officials by setting our differences aside to rebuild community trust and prioritizing long-lasting positive changes in the police department.