Concerns over police accountability took center stage at the Seattle City Council meeting on April 29, 2025, as community members voiced strong criticism of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) following a recent inquest jury's findings. The jury determined that the SPD was guilty of criminal conduct in the 2018 killing of Ioseo Fullotogo, with two out of six jurors explicitly labeling the actions as criminal. This revelation has reignited calls for independent audits of police oversight bodies, which have not been conducted in nearly eight years.

During the meeting, speakers highlighted the disconnect between the city's claims of accountability and the lack of independent evaluations of the Office of Police Accountability (OPA), the Community Police Commission (CPC), and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). One speaker pointed out that despite recommendations from the city auditor for an independent audit, no such review has taken place, raising questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms.

Additionally, the meeting addressed ongoing legal disputes involving the city attorney's office and Judge Virdatti, who was disqualified from hearing criminal cases. The city attorney's claims against the judge were challenged, with evidence suggesting inaccuracies in the accusations. This situation adds another layer of complexity to the discussions surrounding accountability and transparency within the city's legal and law enforcement systems.

As the city grapples with these pressing issues, the call for reform and independent oversight remains a critical topic for Seattle's future. The council's next steps in addressing these concerns will be closely watched by community members and advocates alike.