Seattle Police Department 'a different place': City seeks end to Consent Decree
The City of Seattle has asked a federal judge to terminate the Seattle Police Department Consent Decree sustainment plan, arguing that the SPD has enacted comprehensive reforms and improvements in its use of force and how officers interact with those experiencing mental crises.
The city and U.S. Department of Justice filed motions Thursday with U.S. District Court Judge James Robard, who has overseen a lengthy reform process that began in 2012 when a Justice Department probe found a "pattern of practice" of unconstitutional use of force by the SPD. Mayor Jenny Durkan was, at the time, U.S. Attorney for Western Washington.
"This department is a different place than it was nearly a decade ago. The SPD has become a national leader in de-escalation, our response to people in crisis, and internal and external oversight of policies and practices," Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said in a statement.
"We will remain a national leader through our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. The work is never done, but today we acknowledge all that has been accomplished."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/seattle-police-department-a-different-place-city-seeks-end-to-consent-decree/ar-BB13NXmP