SEATTLE (AP) — A federal judge returned full control of policing practices to the Seattle Police Department on Wednesday, after overseeing 13 years of reforms prompted by a U.S. Justice Department investigation that found the city's officers were too quick to use force.
The city entered into a consent decree with the DOJ in 2012, under which it overhauled virtually every aspect of how the police department operated, including use of force, crisis intervention, police stops and detentions, crowd control, and the supervision of officers.
During a hearing Wednesday, Judge James Robart approved the city's unopposed motion to terminate the consent decree. The ruling marks a new chapter for the department by giving it full autonomy over policing decisions.
In a statement, the DOJ described the development as “successful completion” of the consent decree. Teal Luthy Miller, the acting U.S. attorney in Seattle, said the reforms had "transformed the department into an example for other police forces.”
The DOJ launched the investigation in response to calls from the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington and other groups outraged over uses of force by officers.
Robart noted in his ruling Wednesday the most notable case, the fatal Aug. 30, 2010, shooting of Native American woodcarver John T. Williams. He crossed the street in front of a police cruiser while carrying a small knife. The officer ordered Williams to put down the knife, and shot him less than 5 seconds later.
“We are a much-improved department for going through this process,” Brian Maxey, the department's chief operations officer, said in a written statement. “The Consent Decree created internal systems of ‘critical review’ for our employees – they know what they are doing and are accountable.”
Along the way, the department expanded training in de-escalation tactics, mandated body-worn cameras, and diverted certain 911 calls such as overdoses to involve civilian first responders.
Most federal oversight of the department ended in 2023, after Robart ruled the agency was in compliance with most of the agreement. The court retained jurisdiction over how the department handled crowd control, but in February, the city council passed a law setting new guidelines for its crowd-management practices, including restrictions on the use of blast balls, that satisfied the court and set the stage for ending the consent decree.
FILE - A Seattle police officer walks past tents used by people experiencing homelessness, March 11, 2022, during the clearing and removal an encampment in Westlake Park in downtown Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that he hasn't heard anything from the NFL that would prevent Stefon Diggs from playing in Sunday's regular-season finale as the receiver faces strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef.
The Patriots voiced their support for Diggs in a statement Tuesday after the allegations became public. Vrabel echoed that support.
“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said. "I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.”
Diggs didn't speak with reporters Wednesday as he has typically done throughout the season. But he was in the locker room prior to practice and on the practice field with the team.
The NFL issued a statement saying Diggs is eligible to play.
News of the charges against Diggs emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money.
Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described the allegations as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.
A court arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23.
Vrabel said he didn't anticipate the situation being a distraction for his team. The Patriots are currently 13-3 and have already wrapped up their first AFC East title since 2019. With a victory against Miami on Sunday and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the Chargers, New England would also secure the conference's top seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.
“I think these are allegations. ... Things that we have to handle,” Vrabel said. "Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins.”
Diggs, 32, joined New England before this season after a trade from Houston. He has been a standout player for the Patriots, leading the team with 82 catches and 970 yards receiving.
AP reporters Mike Casey in Boston, and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania contributed.
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New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) runs against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)
