Ombuds office reports rise in contacts, certifies IA summary of June 11 protest complaints

Ombuds staff presented November, December and year-end workload data and described certification activity on files tied to the June 11 protest.

The office reported 238 contacts in November, 240 in December and 3,557 contacts for the year, compared with 3,091 in 2024. Staff said 52 complaints were sent to internal affairs for the year and noted increases in interviews, meetings with SPD and web summaries. According to staff, the office certified 7 cases in November, 15 in December and about 110 certifications for the year; eight cases were returned for additional investigation during 2025.

An OPO staff member told the commission the office received a large IA file on Nov. 17 related to protests and, after review, returned and then certified IA summary C25066 on Dec. 19 for chain-of-command review. The staff member said the internal affairs investigative summary "includes each complaint filed related to the June 11 protest," incorporates officer reports and annotated body-worn camera footage, and that some broader or systemic concerns were noted for potential command-staff review.

Commissioners asked how much body-worn camera footage was reviewed. Staff said they focused review on footage directly relevant to specific complaints and that the broader use-of-force review (F25022) remains underway; staff estimated that broader file is over 100 pages and will be provided to commissioners on a thumb drive on request.

Next steps: staff will provide commissioners the related materials and the broader use-of-force review when available.