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OPARB Home
Our Mission: To strengthen the system of police accountability by providing an independent review of the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA), by making recommendations that address both citizen and law enforcement officer concerns, and thereby building confidence and credibility in police-community relations in Seattle.
Why was the board created: In response to concerns from various segments of the community, Seattle City Council passed an ordinance in 1999 creating the Office of Professional Accountability. That office has three parts: the Director (a civilian who reports to the Chief of Police); the Auditor (an independent contractor, appointed by the Mayor, who audits all complaints); and the Review Board, established in May 2002. The OPA Board is made up of three citizens appointed by City Council.
What the Review Board will do: Our primary task is to oversee the way the OPA handles citizen complaints against Seattle police officers. We review completed OPA investigations as well as OPA Auditor reports. We report periodically to City Council and advise Seattle officials on policies and procedures to strengthen the police accountability system.
What our goals are: Our goals are to build a sense of confidence in the community that police work is fair, even-handed, and free of bias; and to build a sense of confidence in the police force that complaints against police officers will be treated fairly and without prejudice. Above all, we are committed to strengthening communications between police and the community.
How we intend to accomplish these goals: The Board determines the effectiveness of the OPA complaint process. We will take the pulse of affected stakeholders, including the community, and rank-and-file police officers, and provide policy recommendations to City Council based on trends, issues, and suggestions for improvement.
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Upcoming Meetings:
1st Wednesdays
11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
3rd Thursdays from
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Boards & Commissions Room, Floor L2, City Hall (unless otherwise noted)
Minutes & Agendas
Schedule is subject to change.
Relevant Groups:
Office of Professional Accountability (OPA)
National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE)
Seattle City Council
Police Accountability Panel (SCCPAP)
Police Accountability Review Panel (PARP)
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