The Office of Inspector General (OIG) will conduct a comprehensive review of the Seattle Police Department’s response to the May 24, 2025, protest at Cal Anderson Park. The event, which has drawn widespread community concern, raised serious questions about the protection of free speech and the treatment of vulnerable populations during police responses to public demonstrations.
As part of its systemic oversight responsibilities, OIG will assess SPD’s crowd management strategies, officer interactions, and use of force. The review will also evaluate the department’s compliance with the city’s recently adopted less-lethal weapons ordinance. In addition to SPD’s actions, the OIG will examine broader city functions that may have contributed to negative outcomes.
The review will be conducted in partnership with the Community Police Commission (CPC), as both agencies work to incorporate community feedback into the process. OIG and CPC have pledged to center the voices of those impacted, underscoring a shared commitment to accountability and transparency.
In a statement supporting the review, Mayor Bruce Harrell acknowledged the importance of the process and the collaboration between city oversight entities.
“As a learning organization, it is imperative to consistently examine our work,” Harrell said. “This is especially critical in our efforts to strengthen public safety and build an effective, accountable police department. I strongly support this sentinel event review because it will deliver a comprehensive review of the event, collect important feedback, and provide expert analysis that can be used to guide our police department’s response to events in the future. I’m very pleased Chief Barnes and Inspector General Judge will closely collaborate with the CPC and community members for this assessment.”
The Office of Inspector General is a component of Seattle’s independent police oversight system, charged with ensuring the fairness and integrity of the city’s policing practices.
