Durkan releases police reform plan

SEATTLE — As complaints of excessive force build against the Seattle Police Department, former U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan, who was a force behind the federal consent decree, wants to be Seattle's mayor.

“The only way to continue to make progress is to keep pushing on reforms, and to hold people accountable,” Durkan told KIRO-7.

If elected mayor, Durkan, promises to increase police accountability, offer alternatives to jail and help offenders re-enter society, and she supports Initiative 940 requiring de-escalation training and making it easier to prosecute police who misuse deadly force.

But the Seattle Police Guild filed a complaint when members were required to wear body cameras without collective bargaining.

Durkan served as the first civilian observer to the police department years ago and believes she has the experience to spearhead cultural change in the department.

“There was a grievance against me by the police union the whole time I sat, but we still moved forward. I was in every meeting. I expect the department to continue to move forward on body cams. I think they will add additional accountability.”

Durkan wants alternatives to jailing young people. But she also supports rebuilding the aging youth detention center.

“I think if we're innovative and work with the community we can have alternative placements than incarceration. That should be the absolute last resort,” she said.

TRENDING NOW: 

• 1 of 3 Seattle brothers with 'obsession with young children' expected in court? 
• Bikini baristas fight against Everett's tougher laws 
• Hurricane Irma: Why did the ocean disappear near the Bahamas?
• PHOTOS: Remembering 9/11
• VIDEO: Woman Brings Horses Inside Her Home During Irma 

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Cary Moon also supports I-940, but was focused on other issues Monday and was not available for an interview.

Cox Media Group