Complaints

The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) reviews complaints about employees of the Seattle Police Department (SPD), which includes a police officer or a civilian employee. Anyone can contact us. You don’t have to give your name or personal information, and we won’t ask about your immigration status. You also don’t have to talk to the person you are complaining about. If you choose to stay anonymous, please give as many details as you can to help us investigate, but do not provide us with your name or identifying information. OPA also takes complaints from witnesses and other groups. Keep in mind that all complaints become part of the public record.

Ways to File a Complaint with OPA:

1. Fill out a form on the OPA website
2. Visit us Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
3. Email opa@seattle.gov 
4. Call (206) 684-8797
5. Send a letter to:
   P.O. Box 34986
   Seattle, WA 98124-4986 
   or Fax it to: (206) 233-7907

You can also tell your concerns to a Seattle City Councilmember, SPD, or the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and they will forward the complaint to OPA. Note: If it is not a policy violation, SPD and OIG may not forward the complaint to us

OPA does not take complaints about 911 dispatchers.  To file a complaint please email csc_911_inquiry@seattle.gov or call 911 and ask to speak with a supervisor and they will be able to help you. If you have a concern about any another department, please visit the Customer Service Bureau.

This content was adapted from the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) website to enhance clarity and accessibility. Edits were made using M365 Copilot Chat in accordance with the Mayor’s Executive Order (EO 2025-03) and the City’s Artificial Intelligence Policy (POL-211). All information was reviewed and approved by OPA staff prior to publication.