SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council unanimously approved legislation to speed up the hiring process of police officers at Tuesday's meeting, in addition to improving the work culture for women in the police department.
To address the Seattle Police Department's (SPD) staffing issues, the new legislation creates a hiring and recruitment program within the police department. Three employees will be transferred from the city's human resources department to the police department and another employee will be added to the four-person program.
“One of our most fundamental responsibilities as a city government is to provide public safety. Right now, we are losing too many officers to achieve that goal. This bill to streamline recruiting and hiring, working along other efforts, will give the Seattle Police Department the tools it needs to reverse that dangerous trend,” said Council President Sara Nelson.
In addition, the hiring and retention plan streamlines exam taking for entry-level or lateral police officers and improves contact with candidates within 48 hours of their application to the department and throughout the hiring process.
Seattle City Council President Sarah Nelson previously said the department is losing more officers than it can hire. In March, SPD reported hitting its lowest staffing level in 30 years.
Several council members said during the Tuesday meeting that the new hiring process will not lower the standards of the police department but will remove barriers and improve the department's efficiency.
“It’s about improving what we’re doing,” said councilmember Bob Kettle, who co-sponsored the legislation. Kettle also urged current SPD officers to delay retiring or transferring for at least a year and to recruit colleagues from other jurisdictions.
Since 2020, the department has recorded a net loss of 345 police officers and the city said the hiring process contributes to the staffing issue.
Last year, the department hired 61 police officers despite receiving approximately 1,950 applications.
An amendment approved on Tuesday also called for dedicated efforts to improve the working environment and department culture for women in the Seattle Police Department.
“Given that officers are suing SPD on what feels like a weekly basis these days with numerous sworn officers alleging sexism, racism and segregation in the department, council must provide additional oversight to ensure that workers are protected and to ensure that steps are being taken to change the culture of the department,” said councilmember Tammy Morales.
The amendment, as part of the 30 by 30 initiative to increase the representation of women in law enforcement, calls for additional support for caretaking responsibilities, maternity leave policies, and equality in career advancement. Regular reports will be required on the department's progress.
"The department does need … to make sure that they're creating a safe and welcoming culture and environment to make women want to work at SPD," Nelson said.