Frequently Asked Questions

OPA looks into complaints about misconduct by Seattle Police Department (SPD) employees, which includes police officers and civilian employees. OPA also talks with the community about police oversight, makes suggestions for changes to SPD policies, and monitors serious uses of force.

OPA is made up of twenty-two civilian employees and nine sworn (police) employees. This mix of people brings different viewpoints, which helps make sure investigations are fair, thorough and unbiased. To learn more, check out OPA’s Organizational Chart page.

No. OPA is separate from the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and has its own office in a different building. It is led by a civilian director who does not report to the Chief of Police. OPA is still connected to SPD administratively, so that it can quickly get staffing, evidence, and body-worn video. This setup helps OPA investigate complaints faster because it does not have to submit public disclosure requests to obtain SPD evidence and video.

The number of complaints varies each year. OPA publishes an annual report each Spring/Summer with that information and more! You can find them on OPA’s Reportspage.

 During investigations, OPA may find gaps in SPD policies. When that happens, OPA can suggest improvements through something called a Management Action Recommendation (MAR). SPD doesn’t have to follow the recommendation, but most of the time, they do make some or all of the suggested changes. You can read them and see SPD’s response on OPA’s Policy Recommendations page.

OPA can’t share details about open cases. But once a case is finished, you can read the Closed Case Summary online. If you do not know the case number, you can email opa@seattle.gov or request to see the investigative file by sending in a Public Disclosure Request to OPA. If you want more information about a specific incident, you can also check the local news or the SPD Blotter.

Yes, it is safe. SPD policies do not allow anyone to retaliate against you for filing a complaint. Filing a complaint will not change how SPD treats you in the future. OPA will never ask you to share your immigration status. 

OPA does not take complaints about 911 dispatchers.  To file a complaint please email csc_911_inquiry@seattle.gov or call 911 and ask to speak with a supervisor and they will be able to help you. If you have a concern about any another department, please visit the Customer Service Bureau.

There are many policies that officers must follow, but you don’t need to know what they are to submit a complaint. Our office will figure that out after reviewing the facts of the incident.

It is very helpful if you do, but it’s not required. You can still file a complaint without that information. Please give as many details as you can, and OPA investigators will do their best to figure out who the officer is.

Submit commendations using the Thank an Employee form. If you have accidentally thanked an employee through our complaint form, we will forward your commendation to SPD so that the employee receives your compliment.

No. Filing a complaint with OPA will not affect your immigration status. OPA accepts complaints from everyone, no matter their status, and will never ask you about your immigration status.

If your case goes to a full investigation, an OPA investigator will handle it. OPA investigators include both civilian staff and SPD sergeants. After the investigation, OPA’s civilian leadership and the Office of Inspector General will review the case.

OPA works hard to finish investigations within 180 days, or about six months. Sometimes, things happen outside of our control that can cause delays and require more time to complete the investigation. 

A Closed Case Summary is written for every OPA investigation that has been completed. It provides details about the complaint, the OPA director's findings, and any discipline the Chief of Police may have imposed on the employee. Closed Case Summaries do not list employee or complainant names.

Contact us and we will do our best to track down your case number.

Please make requests through OPAMediaInquiries@seattle.gov.

OPA does not release or confirm names of those involved in complaints to the community. However, case files can be accessed by filing a Public Disclosure Request with OPA.

Please make interview requests through OPAMediaInquiries@seattle.gov.

No. Mediation is a chance to talk about the conflict and share your views. You don’t have to admit you were wrong or reach an agreement. The only requirement is that you listen and take part in the discussion.

Not necessarily. Mediation can work even when things are tense. Mediators are trained to help people talk through problems in a constructive way.

You can leave or end the mediation at any time. Mediators can also separate participants to talk individually or stop the mediation if needed.

No. Everyone signs a legally binding confidentiality agreement before mediation. What’s said in mediation cannot be used in court or shared. The only exception is if someone admits to a crime, which must be reported.

Once mediation is complete, the case is closed. OPA will not take any further action or seek discipline.

Yes! Part of OPA’s job is to help the public understand what we do, including how to file a complaint. Our community engagement team creates programs and events for this purpose and also attends community events. Visit our Community Engagement page to learn more.

If you are interested in having OPA meet with your community, group, or organization, please complete the Community Engagement Meeting Request form.