Did Seattle Ban Police?
Seattle has been at the forefront of the national conversation about policing reform and accountability. In June 2020, amidst widespread protests and demonstrations over police brutality and systemic racism, the Seattle City Council took a bold step by establishing a new public safety body, the Community Policing Commission (CPC). The CPC replaces the Seattle Police Department’s (SPD) Office of Police Accountability (OPA) and the Seattle Human Services Department’s (HSS) Homelessness Program’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD).
What Did Seattle’s City Council Do?
On June 16, 2020, Seattle’s City Council voted unanimously to abolish the Seattle Police Department and replace it with the new CPC. The decision comes after years of advocacy and activism from community members calling for police reform and systemic change.
Why Was the Decision Made?
The decision to abolish the SPD was made due to concerns over police brutality, racial profiling, and over-policing, which disproportionately affect communities of color. The CPC is intended to provide a more accountable and community-led approach to public safety, with community members and organizations in leadership roles.
What is the Community Policing Commission (CPC)?
The CPC will be responsible for providing training, oversight, and management of the city’s safety services. The CPC’s primary goal is to reduce police interactions and police violence. The body will consist of:
• Community members serving as commissioners
• Representatives from community-based organizations
• Department heads from the Seattle Departments of Human Services, Planning, and Development
The CPC will oversee:
- Police accountability by investigating complaints and implementing sanctions for misconduct
- Community engagement through education and outreach programs
- Public safety strategies, including alternative response models, diversion programs, and social services
How Does it Work?
The CPC will operate independently of the SPD, with its own budget and authority. It will:
• Prioritize community needs, as determined by community engagement and outreach
• Identify and address systemic problems, such as implicit bias and racial disparities
• Develop and implement training programs for community leaders and safety professionals
What are the Concerns?
While the abolition of the SPD has many supporters, there are concerns about how the CPC will operate, including:
• Coordination and communication with other city departments and stakeholders
• Funding and resource allocation, considering the CPC’s expanded roles and responsibilities
• Accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and effectiveness
Is There a Plan for Policing?
The CPC plans to transition out of traditional policing and phase in alternative response models. This includes:
• Community-based responses for non-violent situations
• Mobile crisis services for mental health crises
• Housing and social services focused on addressing the root causes of public safety issues
What About Police Department Functions?
The SPD will not dissolve immediately, as the transition to the CPC is anticipated to take several months to a year. The existing SPD will continue to serve the community, but its powers and authority will be gradually phased out.
Conclusion
While the decision to abolish the SPD has sparked debate, the establishment of the Community Policing Commission represents a significant step towards creating a safer, more equitable, and community-led approach to public safety in Seattle.
