The citizens' oversight commission established as part of Seattle's federally mandated police reforms is at odds with Ed Murray over departmental reforms. So much so, reports The Seattle Times, that members — all mayoral appointees — voted on Wednesday to submit their own reform package to the City Council.
The mayor and the Community Police Commission (CPC) have been haggling over the police-accountability package for months. One sticking point is the CPC's insistence that the City Council have a say before the mayor can fire the director of Seattle PD’s Office of Professional Accountability. Murray expressed surprise at the CPC's action. CPC members appear adamant, albeit willing to keep talking.
The CPC will likely submit its legislation to Council President Tim Burgess in the next 7-10 days before the ordinance is referred to the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee chaired by Councilmember Bruce Harrell. The CPC hopes the full council will take up the reforms before budget talks dominate the conversation next fall.
