On June 8, 2009, the Seattle City Council confirmed former Judge Michael Spearman as the new Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) auditor. Spearman told the council, “I will do my best to insure that we have a fair, thorough and progressive policy in regards to investigating all complaints of [police] misconduct.” The auditor plays a key role in Seattle’s system of police accountability.

Last year, Mayor Greg Nickels and the City Council agreed to expand the powers of the auditor in order to strengthen the City’s process for investigating police misconduct. Spearman’s powers as auditor include recommending to the OPA director when the director should investigate a complaint further. The auditor may also require additional investigation under certain circumstances. In addition, the OPA auditor examines any and all OPA records to review them for thoroughness, fairness and timeliness.

Spearman was King County Superior Court judge from 1993 to 2007. Currently, he is a mediator and arbitrator at Judicial Dispute Resolution, providing services in all types of civil matters. You can read more about his background in Clerk File 309978. Spearman will serve for a three-year term and can earn up to $143,000 annually at an hourly rate of $160.