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OPARB Home
Listen to meetings in progress on the Boards & Commissions Listen Line: (206) 684-4718
For up to date information please call
(206) 684-8146
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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