Donald Trump continues to attack the rule of law through his continuing comments degrading the FBI, the Justice Department, and federal judges and by recklessly branding his political opponents as criminals. I wrote about this last August in the Seattle...
Tag: Police Accountability
Home » Police Accountability
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June 20, 2017January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
Questions for SPD on the Killing of Charleena Lyles
Earlier today, my office asked the Seattle Police Department (SPD) questions about the horrific killing of Charleena Lyles. Charleena was killed by police in her home, in front of her children. This horrific killing happened just two days after the officers who killed Philando Castile were found ‘not guilty’ in Minnesota. Let’s stand in solidarity […]
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May 23, 2017January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant
My Comments on “Police Accountability” Legislation
On May 22, 2017, the Seattle City Council passed “police accountability” legislation. Below are my comments explaining what in the legislation is positive, and how it falls far short of what is needed to provide real police accountability in Seattle. I would like to thank the Community Police Commission for their dedication to police accountability, […]
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February 28, 2017January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess
Defending the Rule of Law
Over the past couple of weeks, it has been suggested that Seattle police officers should not be present at “anti-Trump protests” or instances of nonviolent civil disobedience. Further, the idea has been raised that police officers should be deployed to...
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October 13, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Herbold
Encampment Legislation, Next Week in the Budget, Police Accountability Legislation Submitted to Federal Judge, SOID Legislation Rulemaking Public Comment
Encampment Legislation Earlier today I sent the following e-mail to people who’ve written me about homeless encampments: Thank you for writing to me about proposed Council Bill 118794. Like you, I care deeply how the City manages public land for use of the general public as well as how our policies impact our ability to […]
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September 15, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess
North Precinct: We Listened
We listened. Based on what we have heard from a wide variety of community members, and the Council’s review of the cost projections, we want to take another look at the component parts of the building and even redesign some...
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August 15, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess
Why I Support Building a New Police Facility in North Seattle
The City Council will vote this afternoon on legislation advancing the proposed new police facility in north Seattle at the intersection of 130th and Aurora Avenue North and requiring additional cost analysis and community review. Here are the reasons I...
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July 8, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess
Mourning
This week has been difficult for me to process. On Tuesday and Wednesday, two more black men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, were shot and killed by police officers in Louisiana and Minnesota. As I struggle to balance my emotional...
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June 21, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess
The Importance of Naming
Sometimes it is important to identify things, to name them, to call them out. Naming allows us to remember. It gives us a reference point, focuses our attention. The Orlando attack very early in the morning on June 12 on...
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April 8, 2016January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess
The Long Road to Effective Management of Our Police Department
When Kathy O’Toole assumed command of the Seattle Police Department in June, 2014, she inherited a police department rife with staggering management challenges. For years, ineffective management had led to inconsistent practices, a lack of accountability, very poor tracking of...