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.

Department Memorandum Form 0102.doc
Rev. 05/10

1

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
1 unfounded/exonerated
to completion)

Minor

1

Passenger
Complaint

0

Inquiry

2

Public Complaint 0

2 not sustained

Traffic
Concerns

3

Public
Complaints

Determined to be traffic-related,
no officer misconduct

0

1 unfounded/exonerated

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.

7/22/2026 9:36 AM

(3) 2025 Complaint and Commendation Annual Review.docx

2

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.

7/22/2026 9:36 AM

(3) 2025 Complaint and Commendation Annual Review.docx

3