Seattle says it’s in compliance with ordered police reforms

A federal judge will decide if indeed that’s true, and in any event court oversight will continue.

  • By Wire Service
  • Friday, September 29, 2017 3:23pm
  • Northwest

Associated Press

SEATTLE — The city of Seattle is asking a federal judge to find its police department in full compliance with its reform agreement with the U.S. Justice Department.

If granted, the request would trigger a two-year period of continued oversight by the court, during which the department must demonstrate that it’s continuing to abide by the agreement.

The Justice Department investigated Seattle police after an officer shot and killed a Native American woodcarver. The city entered a consent decree in 2012 agreeing to make changes to resolve concerns about biased policing and unnecessary force.

The court-appointed monitor overseeing the reforms says the police department has made great strides, but isn’t ready to be declared in full compliance. He said some issues remain, including questions surround the fatal police shooting in June of a black, pregnant mother named Charleena Lyles.”

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