Seattle Office of Police Accountability

On May 25, we pause to remember & honor those who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military. We are grateful for their courage, their commitment, & their sacrifice. OPA will be closed for Memorial Day on May 25. We will reopen on May 26.

OPA’s policy manager Justin Piccorelli presented at an event organized by the Human Rights Commission. He provided insight to the ways OPA contributes to policy change for the Seattle Police Department. Find out more about OPA's policy work at bit.ly/opa_mars.

Today, we pause to honor the dedication and ultimate sacrifice of law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. We remember their service and hold space for their memories.

A PDR is a specific request for records that an agency can identify. Examples include investigative files, disciplinary records, or interview transcriptions. 🔗 Learn more and submit your request here: bit.ly/publicrecordsr… Text was created by AI & reviewed & approved by OPA

📰 📢 Our April newsletter has arrived! Review it here: bit.ly/aprilnewsopa Sign up to get OPA's monthly newsletter for our community outreach updates, investigation summaries, and police oversight news: bit.ly/OPAnewsletter

OPA is proud to share the winner of the 2026 OPA Art Contest. Emery K.’s art, depicting the theme, “Police & Community Working Together for a Better Seattle,” will be featured on OPA’s 2025 Annual Report Cover. Thanks to all students who shared their talents with us this year!

OPA attended the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area Public Safety Forum on 4/21/26 at the Chong Wa Benevolent Association building to listen and learn from community.

🛡️ Is filing a complaint safe? Yes. ✅ You won’t be asked about your immigration status ✅ You are protected against retaliation ✅ You can file your complaint anonymously Learn more or file a complaint at seattle.gov/opa

🔎 NEW! Closed Case Summaries (CCSs) have been posted: bit.ly/opa_ccs After a thorough review, OPA writes a report with its analysis and recommendations. Stay informed—transparency matters! 🔍

🌍 As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we are reminded that our communities grow when both people and the planet are treated with respect, care, and accountability. Celebrate all month with other community members through @SeattleParks . Learn more here: bit.ly/earthmonthacti…

OPA’s community outreach team continues to engage in meetings like the “Our City, Our Safety” meeting to hear about the community’s perspectives & concerns. 👉 Do you have a meeting you want OPA to attend? Reach out to our Community Engagement team at OPA@seattle.gov

SPD officers need to use “discretion” in their work. But what is this? “Discretion” is an officer’s decision making. Not every situation can or should be spelled out in policy. Officer must use discretion reasonably, keeping their duties and SPD’s mission in mind.

🌍 April is National Diversity Month! Diversity isn’t just about differences—it’s about the strength, creativity, and innovation that come from embracing them. This month, let’s celebrate the unique cultures, perspectives, and identities that make Seattle vibrant and strong.

📰 Our March newsletter is out! See what OPA was up to last month: bit.ly/marnewsopa Sign up to get OPA's monthly newsletter for our community outreach updates, investigation summaries, and police oversight news: bit.ly/OPAnewsletter

Sometimes, during an investigation, OPA finds gaps within SPD’s policies or practices that go beyond the specific case.  This happened in OPA’s investigation for 2025OPA-0125. 🔗  Learn more about OPA’s Management Action Recommendations here: bit.ly/opa_mars

OPA is committed to transparency & engagement. Our team provides presentations on a variety of topics. We meet with a wide variety of groups, including schools, advocacy organizations, commissions, community boards, & more! 📅Request a presentation: bit.ly/opapreso

🚨 Submissions are due TOMORROW! 🚨 The winner will have their art featured on the cover of OPA's 2025 Annual Report. This year’s theme is "Police and community working together to create a better Seattle." 📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026 🔗 More info: bit.ly/artcontest2026

➡️  OPA often provides resource information to community members who reach out to OPA, but their concern or question is not within OPA's area of expertise or mission. 🔗  Check out some of the most commonly referred community resources from OPA here: bit.ly/opacommrecs

📢 ONE WEEK LEFT! 🎨 OPA is still accepting art submissions for our third annual art contest! 📅 Deadline: March 31, 2026 🔗 More info: bit.ly/artcontest2026

March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Racism has no place in our community; we stand together to promote equality & challenge discrimination. OPA is committed to building a world where everyone is treated with dignity & respect, every day.