About and Contact

Policy Research, Development and Review

The Seattle Police Department's Compliance Section maintains the Seattle Police Manual.

The Compliance Section Policy & Procedure Unit coordinates the research, development and review of the policy sections published in this manual.

Policy is researched and developed based on legal and Constitutional standards, best practices of the police profession, Department and Community values, best evidence/best science and collaboration with subject matter experts.

A detective is assigned to lead a policy project. The detective will assemble a work group of subject matter experts. The work group will review policy development through web-based shared review. An internal peer review within the APR Section is completed before a Department-wide review.

Once the review process is complete, the policy is presented to Department command staff where final policy decisions are made. The approved policy is then published on the third Wednesday of every month.

Manual Structure

Manual sections generally include policy, procedural steps and individual tasks.

  • Policy (POL): Describes a management decision or rules which employees must follow.
  • Procedures (PRO): Are a list of ordered steps that several individuals must complete to achieve the Department's desired goal.
  • Tasks (TSK): Are a list of ordered steps that instructs one person what they must do within the procedural steps to achieve the Department's goal.

Contact

Mailing Address:

Seattle Police Department

610-5th Ave

P.O.Box 34986

Seattle, WA 98124-4986

Click here for Seattle Police Department contact information.

Police

Adrian Diaz, Chief of Police
Address: 610 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104-1900
Mailing Address: PO Box 34986, Seattle, WA, 98124-4986
Phone: (206) 625-5011
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The Seattle Police Department (SPD) prevents crime, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services. SPD operates within a framework that divides the city into five geographical areas called "precincts".

Site Disclaimer: The Seattle Police Department's website was developed to provide general information. Data contained at this location is generally not reviewed for legal sufficiency. SPD documents displayed are for reference purposes only. Their completeness or currency are not guaranteed. Links or references to other information or organizations are for reference only and do not constitute an endorsement.