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Agenda Item No.: 10b_Order
Meeting Date: February 10, 2026

Sponsor: Commissioner Hasegawa

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ORDER NO. 2026-02

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AN ORDER OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION

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...to increase Transparency and Reporting standards
requirements for the Port of Seattle Police Department.

and

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PROPOSED

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February 10, 2026

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INTRODUCTION

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The Port of Seattle Commission has a duty to ensure Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD)
practices align with public trust, transparency, and Washington state law. This Order builds on the
POSPD mission and practices and seeks to advance the Department's transparency, accountability,
and alignment with the Port of Seattle's values and legal obligations.

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The current Federal Administration's mass deportation campaign has created an incredible amount
of fear, concern and mistrust in our community. Emphasizing clear visual identification, regular
training on de-escalation tactics, and transparent reporting practices are essential to maintaining
public confidence in policing at Port-owned facilities, including Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport. As residents and visitors travel through our airport and seaport facilities, we want to ensure
that the POSPD have clearly identifiable uniforms, so as to minimize confusion and panic. Highvisibility police activities like training and operations in public-facing, pre-security areas of Port
facilities may cause alarm in this current environment for members of the general public, including
travelers, workers, and groups permitted to exercise free speech. This Order requires notification
to Airport Duty Managers during pre-planned operations by POSPD that could reasonably cause
confusion for the travelling public.

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The breakdown of regular investigative order in the face of recent deaths of U.S. citizens
Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the excessive use of force by the federal law
enforcement compels all police forces across the country to ensure that any investigations into use
of force by its members meet the highest possible standards of transparency and accountability.
This Order outlines a transparent presentation of use of force and other statistics in the POSPD's
annual report.

Order 2026-02 - Police Transparency and Accountability Order

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TEXT OF THE ORDER

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The Port Commission hereby directs the Executive Director to implement the following:

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Division Naming and Uniform Conventions

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1. The POSPD shall make reasonable efforts to adhere to naming conventions for its various
divisions that clearly distinguish Port police divisions and departments from all federal law
enforcement agencies and activities.

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2. Effective immediately, eliminate the use of "Homeland Security Division" as a name for a
Port Police division.

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3. The POSPD, and all divisions therein, shall consider additions or changes to the standard
POSPD uniform that highlight for the public the connection with Port of Seattle and can
easily be identified as part of Port of Seattle branding, except in cases where plain clothes
or other security measures require non-standard uniforms.

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Notification

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1. The POSPD conducts pre-planned emphasis and training operations on airport premises on
a regular basis in high passenger volume areas clearly visible to members of the general
public. Per current standards, POSPD alerts the Airport Duty Manager (ADM) when such
patrols occur at SEA. For the purpose of clear public communication, the ADM shall notify
the airport PIO in advance of pre-planned emphasis and training operations, as necessary.

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2. The POSPD shall coordinate with External Relations to highlight the role of the POSPD
for the travelling public including, for example, announcements, signage and video, to
include a focus on the role as part of the Port of Seattle team.

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Annual Reporting and Transparency Requirements
1. The Annual Report submitted by the POSPD to the Commission shall include the following
information on use of force: all categories of use of force as report to Washington State
Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS); including demographic information of
subjects against whom force was used when collected.

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Order 2026-02 - Police Transparency and Accountability Order

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2. The Annual Report should also include a summary of commendations and a summary of
complaints reviewed by POSPD internal affairs including where the complaint originated;
how complaints were categorized; whether complaints were sustained or closed with
another disposition; and disciplinary actions taken where applicable.

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3. Both the Annual Report and the use of force report addendum shall be submitted to the
Port of Seattle Commission no later than July 30th of each year.

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STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDER

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The POSPD is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
(CALEA) and operates with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The Port of Seattle Commission has a responsibility to communicate clear expectations for
policing practices that reflect the values of the Port and the communities it serves.

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In the current political environment, concerns about the presence and conduct of federal law
enforcement - particularly related to immigration enforcement - have the potential to cause deep
concern and fear in our communities. To that end, it is essential that the Port further enhance its
transparency and accountability, to ensure travelers, employees and visitors that our facilities are
safe, secure, and welcoming.

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This Order addresses several areas where enhanced clarity and accountability will strengthen
public confidence in Port policing operations. Ensuring that Port of Seattle Police are clearly
identifiable in contrast to Federal security apparatus and the addition of Port of Seattle branding
ensures clear visual identification. These changes help ensure that Port police officers are readily
identifiable to the public.

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The reporting requirement for pre-planned training operations in high-visibility, public-facing
areas recognizes that police presence in these spaces can have significant impacts on travelers,
workers, and community members, if misunderstood, while meeting best practices for safety and
security. Notification to the Airport Duty Manager and the Airport PIO, strives to create
appropriate coordination while preserving the Chief of Police's operational authority.

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Finally, the annual reporting requirements will provide the Commission and the public with
regular, comprehensive information about use of force incidents and complaint handling.
Transparency in these areas is fundamental to accountability and allows for ongoing assessment
of policing practices.

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Order 2026-02 - Police Transparency and Accountability Order

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Through this Order, the Commission seeks to acknowledge existing best practices and advance its
commitment to supporting policing that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with the Port of
Seattle's values of equity, inclusion, and public service.

Order 2026-02 - Police Transparency and Accountability Order