Seattle City Councilmembers Bob Kettle (District 7, Chair of the Public Safety Committee) and Cathy Moore (District 5, member of the Public Safety Committee) announced their support for Mayor Bruce Harrell’s independent review into allegations made against Seattle Police Department leadership.

Additionally, Councilmember Moore has sent a letter to SPD about the 30×30 Report, asking for a thorough update on what the department is doing to implement the recommendations and feedback it received.

Councilmember Moore’s Statement:

“I thank the Mayor for commissioning an independent review of the investigations stemming from claims of gender discrimination and sexual harassment within the Seattle Police Department, as well as systemic issues within the department. This is an important and necessary step for public trust, and I look forward to a robust final report.

Separate from this independent review, the Seattle Police Department’s 30×30 report is very troubling. The work culture issues it raises must be taken seriously and addressed in short order. We must address barriers to recruiting and retaining women sworn officers to make desperately needed progress on our public safety crisis.

Separately, the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild contract soon to be before the Council enhances accountability for police officers. It is imperative in holding rank and file officers accountable, that leadership exemplify the highest standards of conduct,” Councilmember Moore concluded.

Councilmember Kettle’s statement:

“I respect the Mayor’s decision to commence an independent review of the investigations into the claims of gender discrimination and sexual harassment. I believe that it’s the right thing to do to ensure public confidence in the Seattle Police Department.

More broadly, I am committed to working with our Public Safety Committee, our City Council, and the Mayor’s Office to understand the cultural issues detailed in the 30×30 Report so we can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for women in the Seattle Police Department, free of discrimination and harassment.

I want to thank the women of the Seattle Police Department for sharing their experiences. To be clear, there is no place for misogyny or gender discrimination in the Department or any other City Department. Every police officer who shows up to do their job well and protect our community deserves our support.

The Public Safety Committee will be conducting a follow up briefing on the status of 30×30 at a future meeting,” Councilmember Kettle concluded.