Finance and Planning Section Records

Series

Identifier: 6403-02

Scope and Contents Note

These files include a comprehensive analysis of the administration and operation of the Police Department. Every unit of the Department is discussed: its purpose, operation and procedures, personnel, equipment, and financing. These discussions are amplified by questions and answers between the City Council staff and the then Office of Management and Budget (0MB) staff and the SPD. Budget reduction strategies are proposed and argued between the Department, the Council, and the 0MB. The Finance and Planning Unit of the lnspectional Services Division, which created these files, was reorganized in 1994.

These records are held by the Police Department. Contact the department's Public Disclosure Unit for access.

Dates

Creation: 1988-1994

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Police Dept. (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

These records are held by the Police Department. Contact the department's Public Disclosure Unit for access.

Historical Note

The City’s first charter established the Marshall as the local peace officer. An 1883 Charter amendment established the position of Chief of Police with authority to hire police officers. The Chief of Police was an elected position until 1890. The City Charter of 1890 created the Board of Police Commissioners which administered the Department and appointed officers. Following allegations of corruption, the Commission was abolished by the new Charter of 1896. The Chief of Police, appointed by the mayor, served as administrator of the Department. In 1962, the Department assumed authority for policing the harborfront, formerly a function of the Harbor Department.