News Archive

June 2012

Seattle's Office of Professional Accountability Review Board (OPARB) announces ten key recommendations for restructuring and strengthening the Board's role in Seattle's Civilian Oversight System.

• News Release
• Transparency, Accountability, Effectiveness and Independence: Recommendations Regarding Civilian Oversight of the Seattle Police Department

January 2012
The Seattle Collaborative Process for Improving Police-Community Relations

Set against the backdrop of the recent Department of Justice findings, experienced facilitator, Jay Rothman, presented a report and recommendations about ways to empower the community, open constructive lines of communication and implement a concrete plan using such a process in Seattle. 

• The Seattle Collaborative Process for Improving Police-Community Relations
• Briefing – Phase 1 Report
• Phase 1 Report
• Description of the ARIA process
• The NY Times article describing the early days of the process in Cincinnati
• What others say about ARIA

September 2011
Three appointees nominated for Seattle police accountability review board. Read more

July 2011
Councilmember Tim Burgess has announced that three positions on the OPA Review Board are up for nomination. He encourages anyone interested in civilian oversight of law enforcement to apply.

June 2011
The OPA Review Board has a vacant seat. Members of the community who meet the qualifications can contact the office of Councilmember Tim Burgess.

On June 16, the Board adopted a proposal for a Collaborative Process between police and the community modeled on a process begun in Cincinnati ten years ago. The process brought together various sectors of the community and the police during a very painful time. The Board will be looking for partner organizations in the community to implement this plan.

March 2011
OPA Review Board members met with the Minority Executive Directors Coalition to listen to concerns about police accountability in general. The Review Board is charged with the responsibility for outreach to the community, to explain the police accountability system, and to solicit concerns about police conduct and services.

January 2011
Every month the Seattle Police Department's Office of Professional Accountability issues a report to the mayor on the misconduct investigations closed. The report also includes commendations to officers and employees received during the month. Go to the OPA Publications page and look for the drop-down box OPA Monthly Reports.

December 2010
The Review Board held one of its regular meetings at El Centro de la Raza on Beacon Hill to give members of the community an idea of the business transacted at meetings. Much of the meeting was given over to the public comment portion of the agenda and the Board hopes to hold more regular meeting in the community closer to citizens.

Later in December two board members met with members of the Seattle Police Officers Guild to hear officers' and sergeants' opinions on the issue of civilian oversight of the accountability system. The board members were greeted by a capacity crowd with courteousy and professionalism. Guild members are interested in a clear definition of serious misconduct and in having minor complaints handled by line supervisors. The board will continue to engage the police department bargaining units regarding a fair and transparent accountability system.

December 2010
The City Council has appointed Melissa Bartholomew to fill the vacancy on the OPA Review Board. Melissa is a minister and a lawyer. More about her is on the biographies page of our site.

November 2010
The OPA Review Board has elected David Wilma as the board chair to succeed Pat Sainsbury. Tina Bueche will continue as the board vice-chair.