Seattle Police Department: A History of Misconduct and Controversy
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has a long and complex history marked by periods of systemic corruption, individual misconduct, and high-profile clashes with the public. From early 20th-century bribery scandals to modern-day debates over excessive force and racial bias, the department has frequently faced scrutiny from city officials, federal investigators, and the community it serves.
Understanding these controversies requires looking at the patterns of behavior that have emerged over the decades, ranging from the "protection" rackets of the mid-century to the systemic failures identified by the U.S. Department of Justice in the 21st century.
Key Facts
- Systemic Corruption: Early 1900s chiefs were ousted for bribery and allowing illegal gambling.
- Federal Intervention: A 2011 DOJ investigation found a pattern of excessive force violating the 14th Amendment.
- Financial Impact: The city has paid millions in settlements, including a record $1.975 million for a 2009 shooting.
- Modern Oversight: The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) manages internal investigations into officer behavior.
- Recent Terminations: Officers have been fired for political extremism, racial slurs, and fatal traffic violations.
Early Corruption and Mid-Century Scandals
Corruption within the SPD dates back to its early years. In 1901, Police Chief William L. Meredith resigned following a City Council investigation into bribes and illegal gambling. The aftermath was violent; Meredith was killed by John Considine, a man he had attempted to ambush with a shotgun and pistol.
A similar pattern emerged in 1911 when Chief Charles W. Wappenstein was removed by a reformist mayor and convicted of charges involving bribery and prostitution, though he was later pardoned in 1913.
By the 1960s, corruption had become institutionalized. In 1967, The Seattle Times exposed a widespread protection system where patrolmen and sergeants collected payments from gambling dens, illegal bars, and gay clubs to ensure they remained undisturbed.
The Turn of the Millennium: Riots and Misconduct
The late 1990s and early 2000s were marked by significant public disorder and individual officer failures. In 1996, former homicide detective Earl “Sonny” Davis was accused of stealing $11,400 from the belongings of Bodegard Mitchell, a man killed by police during a standoff.
The 1999 World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference became a global flashpoint. SPD was criticized for poor preparation as over 100,000 protesters disrupted the event. The resulting riots led to the use of chemical agents and less-lethal weapons, eventually resulting in the resignation of Chief Norm Stamper.
The early 2000s continued this trend of instability. The 2001 Mardi Gras celebrations devolved into riots that left one person dead and over 70 hospitalized. During this era, individual misconduct also surfaced, such as the case of Detective Dale Nixdorf, who resigned following allegations of sexual harassment and assault against a domestic violence victim in 2003.
Systemic Failures and Federal Oversight (2010–2019)
The 2010s saw a shift toward systemic scrutiny. In 2010, a bystander's video showing Gang Unit detectives kicking and verbally assaulting two Latino men sparked widespread protests over racial tensions. While several officers were suspended, none faced criminal charges.
This incident preceded a landmark 2011 investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ concluded that SPD officers engaged in a pattern of excessive force that violated the 14th Amendment and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The investigation also noted that the use of Garrity protections—which prevent officers from being compelled to give statements that could be used against them in criminal proceedings—hindered the department's ability to supervise force.
Throughout the decade, various officers were terminated or disciplined for severe misconduct, including:
- Officer Cynthia Whitlatch: Fired after falsely claiming a Black man using a golf club as a cane had attacked her.
- Officer Peter Leutz: Fired for abusing his authority to pursue romantic relationships with vulnerable women.
- Officer Adley Shepherd: Fired for punching a handcuffed woman.
- Officers Kenneth Martin and Tabitha Sexton: Fired for shooting 27 rounds into a fleeing vehicle.
Contemporary Challenges (2020–Present)
The 2020s have been defined by the fallout from the George Floyd protests and internal cultural issues. In May 2020, video emerged of an officer using a knee-on-neck restraint on a suspect, mirroring the technique that killed George Floyd. A federal judge subsequently ordered the SPD to stop using tear gas, pepper spray, and "rubber bullets" against non-violent protesters.
Internal integrity has also been questioned. An OPA investigation revealed that officers faked radio chatter about armed groups to escalate tensions during the 2020 protests. Additionally, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found that the OPA routinely dismissed complaints regarding officers violating mask mandates.
Recent high-profile cases include the 2023 death of Jaahnavi Kandula, who was struck and killed by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving 74 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. The case gained further notoriety when body camera footage showed Officer Daniel Auderer laughing about the death and suggesting the victim had "limited value." Both the officer involved in the crash and Auderer were eventually fired.
| Year/Period | Incident/Issue | Outcome/Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | Chief Meredith Bribery Scandal | Chief resigned; killed in subsequent altercation |
| 1967 | Protection Racket Exposure | Public exposure of systemic corruption |
| 1999 | WTO Ministerial Protests | Chief Norm Stamper resigned |
| 2009 | Nathaniel Caylor Shooting | $1.975 million settlement |
| 2011-2012 | DOJ Investigation | Settlement for improved oversight and training |
| 2020 | George Floyd Protests | Federal court ban on certain force agents |
| 2023 | Jaahnavi Kandula Death | Officers fired; evidence of extreme speeding |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the 2011 DOJ investigation into the SPD?
The U.S. Department of Justice found that the SPD engaged in a pattern of excessive force that violated the Constitution and federal law. This led to a 2012 settlement requiring the city to implement better training, reporting, and oversight.
Who is the OPA and what is their role?
The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) is the body responsible for investigating complaints of police misconduct and determining if department policies were violated.
How did the WTO protests affect the department?
The SPD was criticized for failing to prepare for over 100,000 protesters. The resulting riots and the department's use of chemical agents led to global scrutiny and the resignation of Chief Norm Stamper.
What happened in the Jaahnavi Kandula case?
Officer Kevin Dave killed Kandula while driving 74 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. The case became a major scandal after footage revealed Officer Daniel Auderer making derogatory comments about the victim's value. Both were eventually terminated.
Have officers been fired for political activity?
Yes. Officer Duane Goodman was fired for Instagram posts endorsing violence against political figures, and Officers Alexander Everett and Caitlin Rochelle were fired for trespassing on Capitol grounds during the January 6 attack.