On March 31, 2011, the Civil Rights Division opened an investigation of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Following its comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department on December 16, 2011, announced its findings that the SPD has engaged in a pattern or practice of officers using excessive force. The Justice Department also announced that its investigation raised serious concerns that some of SPD's policies and practices, particularly those related to pedestrian encounters, could result in unlawful discriminatory policing. Additionally, on November 23, 2011, the Justice Department released a technical assistance letter that provided our specific recommendations regarding SPD's practices relating to an officer's protections against self-incrimination pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court case of Garrity v. New Jersey. The documents on this page provide more information about the investigation, the Justice Department's findings, and next steps.

Findings Letter (12/16/11)

Technical Assistance Letter on Garrity issues (11/23/11)