Mayor Murray statement on Consent Decree status conference

Mayor Ed Murray issued the following statement after a status conference on the Consent Decree, held by U.S. District Court Judge James Robart:

“Judge Robart made it clear today that ensuring constitutional policing needs to be Seattle’s top priority. Five years ago, when the previous administration was dragging its feet on meaningful reform, the relationship between police and Seattle’s communities of color was fractured. While we still have work to do, we have made significant progress since 2010, which the Court confirmed today.

“We have comprehensive, landmark police accountability legislation that establishes unprecedented independent civilian oversight through subpoena power and a permanent community seat at the table. And we can do more.

“Earlier this week, I ordered patrol officers and sergeants to wear body cameras so we can have a critical resource to resolve facts in police shootings, a standard tool that would have been invaluable in the Charleena Lyles investigation. We have heard Judge Robart’s frustration with the delays in the current collective bargaining process. His support for body-worn cameras and my executive order yesterday are reminders that we are moving in the right direction.”