What do I do if I want to know what’s happening in my neighborhood?

• SPD updates its Twitter account (@seattlepd) and the Seattle Police Blotter website with information about major incidents.
• Incident numbers, types, and approximate locations for more routine incidents are also published online through the “Tweets by Beat” program. You may also view police reports filed after an incident through the department’s website.
• You may ask the officers at the scene for information. If they are not able to give you information, you may request a business card with the incident number, which will assist you in filing a public disclosure request later.

Am I allowed to approach/talk to the officers?

• Generally, yes. This includes the right to make comments critical of the officers, so long as your actions do not obstruct the investigation, endanger the officers or others, or incite violence.
• Officers have the legal right to keep people out of the area in and around a crime scene. In some cases, failure to leave an area after an officer orders you to do so can result in an arrest.
• If officers advise you the scene is not safe, consider observing the incident from a safer location.

Am I allowed to film the officers?

• Yes, any person has the right to audio and video record officers at the scene of an incident or elsewhere, so long as they are not interfering in the incident or placing others in danger. Officers may not prevent you from recording but may ask you to move.
• Officers may request that you share video if you have recorded an incident. Third party video recordings can be helpful when investigating an incident. They are also very helpful for OPA. You have the right to refuse, but in major incidents (such as a homicide investigation) officers may seek a search warrant to access your recording.

What do I do if I see the officers doing something wrong?

• Do not physically interfere with the officers. Doing so makes it very likely that you will be arrested and also runs the risk that you or someone else could be seriously injured.
• Record the situation with your phone or camera. If you are willing to share it with OPA, this recording can be very helpful.
• Officers are required to request a supervisor or otherwise assist you with filing a complaint if you say you wish to make one.
• Seattle Police Officers are required to identify themselves with their name and badge number upon request. Officers are also required to wear visible nametags with their first initial and last name.
• If you see a violent situation and are unsure if the individuals involved are actually police officers, call 911.