Mayor Mike McGinn called on Police Chief John Diaz on Wednesday, Dec. 21, to begin carrying out reforms urged by the US Department of Justice in its report of the Seattle Police Department use of force.

The DOJ report, released last week, criticized the SPD was for its excessive and unconstitutional use of force. A letter containing the complete findings was delivered to Mayor McGinn and Police Chief Diaz.

On Wednesday McGinn announced that he has ordered Diaz to immediately begin implementation of reforms outlined in the DOJ's report.

"We have heard from the public and now the federal government that more must be done. We agree. Let us be very clear: we are committed to reform," McGinn said. "This process of change cannot wait."

McGinn stated that the city will also convene a public review panel to oversee the implementation of these reforms.

"The people of Seattle deserve a police force that fights crime in a way that is fair and equitable. We deserve a police force that is well trained and accountable for its actions. We deserve a police force that is respectful and professional in all areas, and worthy of the community’s trust," McGinn said in his letter.

Based on the city's ongoing collaboration with the Department of Justice, the following reforms have also been adopted:

• On January 4, the city will implement a system of consistent supervision of patrol officers which, as the Department of Justice recognized, should improve accountability of our officers.
• Create a new Professional Standards Section.
• Implement improvements to the way we investigate use of force incidents, including a new Force Review Board and a Force Investigative team.
• The undertaking of a top-to-bottom review and rewrite of the department’s Policies and Procedures.
• Revise and simplify the Office of Professional Accountability’s classification system.

"Chief Diaz and I expect our police force to be a national model of professionalism and accountability – that earns the respect of the people as it protects our communities from crime," McGinn said. "We stand ready to work with the community and the Department of Justice to ensure Seattle has that department."