U.S. attorney on police reform: 'Get on the train or leave'

The U.S. attorney representing Western Washington on Thursday derided the lawsuit more than 100 Seattle police officers filed in protest of the new federally mandated use-of-force policies.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Police Department issued its own brief statement distancing itself from the claims of the plaintiffs.

The federal lawsuit filed Wednesday -- signed by about 9 percent of all police officers on Seattle's force -- claims that the new use-of-force policies to be enacted this year are too complicated and put police officers and the public at greater danger.

The suit also argues that the new policies violate officers' constitutional rights to defend themselves and conduct reasonable searches to investigate criminal activity.

U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan -- one of several defendants named in the complaint -- issued a statement to reporters Thursday afternoon saying that the lawsuit is "without merit."

It "will be dealt with quickly by the courts," Durkan said.

A 2011 report from the U.S. Department of Justice derided the Seattle Police Department for a "pattern of excessive force" and evidence of possible racially biased policing.

After that, the city came to an agreement with the feds to enact a series of reforms intended to address the problems named in the report.

"We are making significant and positive progress in the reform of the Seattle Police Department," Durkan said Thursday, adding that a minority of officers were found to have practiced "unconstitutional policing."

She went on to say that the complaints "dishonor" police who obey the new guidelines every day.

"We will not be distracted by those who want to slow or stop reform," she said.

Though new use-of-force guidelines were issued this month that emphasize minimal use of physical force, Durkan said that police haven't even been fully trained in the new requirements -- that training is to occur this summer.

"Nobody can say the use-of-force policies are making it harder for police officers," she said.

Though the lawsuit complained that the new guidelines are out of touch with real street policing, Durkan disputed that claim, saying the rules were written by police and for police with input welcome at every stage.

The department passed drafts of new policies to the Justice Department, which then approved them.

Durkan also said that any problematic aspects of the guidelines can be changed.

"If they think something is making it hard to do their job, we want to know," Durkan said.

The federally required reforms continue to be a top priority for the police department. Mayor Ed Murray's newly appointed police chief Kathleen O'Toole -- who has yet to be approved by the City Council -- has said that facilitating reform will be one of her top tasks.

Durkan said that the reform process will be undeterred by Wednesday's lawsuit.

"Reform is underway," she said. "Get on the train or leave."

Seattle Police Department spokeswoman Renee Witt said Thursday afternoon the agency doesn't comment on active lawsuits, but the media relations department put out a statement addressing the matter soon afterward.

"This lawsuit ... does not represent the views of the Seattle Police Department," the statement said. "SPD will continue working with the Department of Justice, elected representatives and community members to ensure our officers have the tools, training and personnel needed to provide effective, constitutional and lawful public safety services to our city."

Lynsi Burton can be reached at lynsiburton@seattlepi.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LynsiBurton_PI.

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