The Center for Policing Equity (CPE) study reiterates problems our community has known and experienced for far too long — the Seattle Police Department’s policies and practices continue to subject our communities of color to more intensive and forceful policing than our white communities.

CPE has identified many of the same issues the CPC and past audits of racial disparity have found in Seattle’s policing. Fittingly, CPE’s five recommendations echo recommendations made by the CPC in 2019, 2020, and 2021. To date, SPD has not fully incorporated those recommendations.

“Now is the time for action. Studies have shown that racial disparity and bias in policing are problems in Seattle. It is also clear that SPD’s current policies and practices are insufficient to address these disparities and adequately protect our community.”

La Rond Baker and Erin Goodman, CPC Co-Chairs

“The CPC and CPE have made similar recommendations to begin addressing inequities in the policing of communities of color. Community wants a system it can trust. Under the current system, the use of force against Black people is seven times the per capita rate as white people. That does not breed trust or equity. It is time for SPD to work with the CPC and community to implement solutions that work.”

Brandy Grant, CPC Executive Director