SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Mayor
Mike McGinn has announced the hiring of a new police oversight director.
The hiring of Pierce Murphy to
lead the Office of Professional Accountability was announced Friday. The office
is responsible for investigating police misconduct. Murphy was one of eight
finalists for the post.
Murphy's arrival comes at a
time the Seattle Police Department faces a court-overseen monitoring plan to
address the use of force by officers. The department has entered into a
settlement agreement with the U.S. Justice Department that requires an overhaul
of supervision, training and reporting of uses of force.
McGinn says Murphy will help
implement a long-term plan to restore public trust in the police.
The City Council will have to
approve Murphy's appointment.
Murphy serves as the city of
Boise's Community Ombudsman.