Overturned Findings
What does it mean when a finding is overturned?
The Chief of Police decides discipline for SPD employees. This includes changing or overturning decisions made by OPA when it is found that an officer violated policy.
Before the Chief of Police makes a final decision, OPA holds a meeting to share its suggestions for discipline. Meeting attendees usually include the OPA Director, the employee’s supervisors (such as their Captain and Assistant Chief), and someone from SPD Human Resources.
If the Chief overturns a finding, they must write a letter to the Mayor and City Council President to explain why. This is required by city law SMC 3.29.135(B).
The table below shows cases where the Chief changed an OPA finding. Each case number links to the case summary, whether the officer’s supervisors agreed or disagreed with OPA’s decision, and what the Chief decided in the end.
| Case Number | Chain of Command | Chief's Letter Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020OPA-0334 | Agreed | May 12, 2021 | Reversed in Full |
| 2018OPA-1037 | Disagreed | July 30, 2019 | Reversed in Full |
| 2018OPA-0243 | Agreed | November 20, 2018 | Reversed in Full |
| 2017OPA-0859 | Disagreed | June 20, 2018 | Reversed in Full |
| 2017OPA-0950 | Disagreed | June 20, 2018 | Reversed in Full |
| 2017OPA-0153 | Agreed | November 3, 2017 | Reversed in Part |
| 2016OPA-0281 | Agreed | October 27, 2016 | Reversed in Full |
| 2015OPA-1149 | Disagreed | April 8, 2016 | Reversed in Full |
| 2015OPA-0117 | Agreed | September 15, 2015 | Reversed in Part |