Department Memorandum Form 0102.doc 1

Rev. 05/10

Date: May 26, 2026

To: Interim Chief Sean Gillebo

From: Office of Professional Accountability

Subject: 2025 Annual Review of Complaints and Commendations

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Data Availability Notice

Some data contained within this report may be incomplete due to the department's tracking systems

being unavailable until July 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the

information presented, certain records and statistics may not fully reflect all activity occurring during the

reporting period.

Summary of Commendations

The Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD) received many commendations and expressions of

appreciation during 2025. These commendations recognized employees for their professionalism,

community service, investigative work, and support of departmental and regional operations.

Highlights included:

• A Transportation Security Specialist (TSS) who was recognized for professionalism and kindness

while conducting traffic control operations.

• An officer who assisted an elderly individual in avoiding a financial scam.

• A TSS and Sergeant who successfully located and recovered luggage left behind by a traveler.

• Two separate incidents in which officers located and returned lost bags on the secure side of the

airport.

• Officers who provided Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) support to an external SWAT team

during operations.

• An officer whose investigative efforts contributed to the arrest and federal conviction of a

suspect.

• A Sergeant who represented the department by performing bagpipe honors at a retiree's funeral.

• The department Honor Guard, which represented POSPD with professionalism and dignity at a

retiree's funeral service.

These commendations reflect the department's commitment to public service, professionalism, and

community engagement.

7/22/2026 9:36 AM (3) 2025 Complaint and Commendation Annual Review.docx 2

Summary of Complaints Reviewed by Internal Affairs

During 2025, the Port of Seattle Police Department reviewed complaints through its Internal Affairs

process and supervisory inquiry procedures. Complaints were categorized according to established

departmental definitions:

• Major Complaint: The most serious allegations, generally investigated by Internal Affairs, alleging

acts or omissions that constitute willful or wanton disregard for agency policies and procedures.

• Moderate Complaint: Allegations involving employee actions in disregard of agency policies and

procedures.

• Minor Complaint: Complaints involving perceptual differences or possible violations of agency

policies, procedures, or service standards.

Complaint Summary by Category

Category

Number

Reviewed

Origin Sustained Other Dispositions

Major 3

Requested by

Chief of Police

2 sustained (1 retired

prior to completion, 1

demotion)

1 pending disposition

Moderate 2

Internal Affairs

Investigation

1 sustained (retired prior

to completion)

1 unfounded/exonerated

Minor 1

Passenger

Complaint

0 1 unfounded/exonerated

Inquiry

Public Complaint

2 not sustained

Traffic

Concerns

Public

Complaints

Determined to be traffic-related,

no officer misconduct

Major Complaints

POSPD reviewed three major complaints that resulted in formal Internal Affairs investigations. These

investigations originated from requests by the Chief of Police.

Disposition Summary:

• One investigation was sustained; however, the employee retired before the investigation was

completed.

• One investigation remains open while the employee is on continued leave, and a final disposition

is pending.

• One investigation was completed, sustained, and resulted in the employee being demoted.

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Moderate Complaints

POSPD investigated two moderate complaints through Internal Affairs.

Disposition Summary:

• Allegations of unprofessional behavior/social media use were sustained, and the recommended

discipline was one day off without pay. The employee retired before the investigation was

completed.

• Allegation of discrimination was investigated and determined to be unfounded; officer was

exonerated.

Minor Complaints

POSPD received one minor complaint.

Disposition:

• The investigation determined the allegation of an officer intentionally tapping a complainant on

the shoulder was unfounded, and the officer was exonerated.

Supervisory Inquiries and Informal Complaints

In addition to formal complaints, POSPD reviewed several concerns through supervisory inquiry

processes.

Officer Conduct Inquiry

• A complainant alleged that an officer spoke with him while keeping a hand on the officer's

firearm.

• The on-duty Sergeant reviewed the matter and determined there was no ill intent. The officer's

posture was found to be habitual and not threatening in nature.

• Disposition: Not Sustained.

Officer Conduct Inquiry

• A complainant alleged that an officer refused to investigate a missing item.

• The on-duty Sergeant reviewed the matter with the officer in question.

• Disposition: Not Sustained

Traffic Congestion Concerns

• Three complaints were received regarding congestion on airport drives during peak traffic periods.

• Supervisory review determined that the concerns were related to traffic conditions rather than

officer actions.

• No policy violations were identified.

POSPD remains committed to maintaining public trust through accountability, transparency, and fair

investigation of all complaints while recognizing and commending employees who demonstrate

exceptional service.