Seattle (Wash.). Board of Police Commissioners

Seattle, Wash., 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 the 1896.

From the description of Minutes, 1890-1896. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70925140

The City Charter of 1890 created the Board of Police Commissioners, which administered the Police Department. The Board consisted of the mayor and four police commissioners appointed by the mayor; police commissioners served four-year terms. The Board was responsible for appointing (and, when necessary, removing) the Chief of Police and all subordinate officers, as well as making regulations for the governance of the Department and deciding penalties for violation of rules.

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.

From the guide to the Minutes, 1890-1896, (Seattle Municipal Archives)