Police Accountability in Seattle

Attempts to provide a mechanism for a form of police accountability in Seattle began in 1955 and continue to this day. Over the years, and as a result of many protests, committees and conversations, incremental progress was made in forming instruments for oversight of the police. The Seattle Municipal Archives used sources within its holdings to compile resources exploring requests for police accountability in Seattle. Coming from the community as well as from City committees and commissions, the requests resulted in evolving systems of oversight. By providing greater visibility to the historical record, we hope to create a window into how decisions surrounding police accountability were made in the past 65 years.



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Illustrated story of the evolution
of police oversight systems
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Chronological highlights of
relevant events and legislation
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Detailed narrative of requests
for police accountability
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Documents, audio recordings,
and other primary sources

Municipal Archives, City Clerk

Anne Frantilla, City Archivist
Address: 600 Fourth Avenue, Third Floor, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94728, Seattle, WA, 98124-4728
Phone: (206) 684-8353
archives@seattle.gov

The Office of the City Clerk maintains the City's official records, provides support for the City Council, and manages the City's historical records through the Seattle Municipal Archives. The Clerk's Office provides information services to the public and to City staff.