File a Complaint
What is a Complaint?
An OPA complaint is when someone formally tells OPA that they think an officer or civilian employee did something they think goes against SPD’s policies. This could be for things such as being rude, treating someone unfairly, or using too much force. It could even be for breaking the law. You can find those policies in SPD’s manual, which is updated often.
Who Can File a Complaint?
Anyone can file a complaint, even if they don’t want to give their name. If the complaint is anonymous, it should include as many details as possible, such as text messages, photos, videos, or social media posts, to help OPA look into it, but do not provide us with your name or identifying information. If you want to stay anonymous, do not tell OPA your name or identifying information. Complaints can also come from people who saw what happened, or from other organizations reporting on behalf of someone else.
Is Filing a Complaint Safe?
The process is meant to be safe. You can choose to share your race and gender, but you won’t ever be asked about your immigration status. You also don’t have to talk to the employee the complaint is about.t.
How do I File a Complaint?
File an SPD Employee Complaint
There are five ways you can file a complaint with OPA:
SUBMIT A WEB FORM:
Note: a new window will open
File a Complaint Without Giving Your Name (Anonymous)
EMAIL US:
CALL US:
Our live phone hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message. Someone will call you back as soon as they are able, during our regular business hours. Be sure to include your contact information, especially your email.
VISIT US:
Seattle Municiapl Tower
700 5th Avenue, 17th Floor
Seattle, WA 98104
You can visit us Monday-Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The 17th floor is not open to the public. Please stop at the information desk on the 4th floor so they can let us know you’ve arrived.
You can enter the 4th-floor lobby at the corner of 5th Avenue and Columbia Street.
If you’d rather set up a time to visit, you can email us at opa@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-8797.
SEND US A LETTER:
Office of Police Accountability
P.O. Box 34986
Seattle, WA 98124-4986
If submitting a complaint by mail, please:
Download the complaint form
You can also write or call us with the following information:
- Your name (optional, but give as many details as possible)
- Your address (optional if this is a good way to contact you and you want to share it)
- Your phone number, email or other way to contact you (optional)
- Your race/ethnicity, gender, and pronouns (optional)
- Where the incident happened
- Date of the incident (use MM/DD/YY format)
- Time of the incident (AM or PM)
- Name of the SPD officer, badge number, or employee (if you know it)
- What happened? (Please describe the incident)
- Names of any witnesses or other people involved
- Phone number or email of any witnesses
- Copies of any evidence you have
- Even if you are not anonymous, do you want us to share your name and contact information? (yes or no)
IMPORTANT:
The information you share is covered by the Washington Public Records Act RCW Chapter 42.56. This means someone could request to see it. If you do not want your identifying information shared publicly, note that you do not want it disclosed. OPA will keep it private as much as the law or contract allows. A copy of your complaint might still be provided through the Office of Police Accountability’s Public Disclosure process. If you want to be anonymous, do not write or tell OPA your name or identifying information.