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Read a year of Seattle police officers' exit interviews (unredacted)

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KUOW/Isolde Raftery

Officers leaving the Seattle Police Department over the past year complained they were being undercut by a “hyper-aggressive oversight” system and a lack of support from city leaders.

Their comments are contained in exit interviews that KUOW obtained through a public records request. Some officers were leaving for retirement, and others left to join other law enforcement agencies.

While many of the comments criticized the City Council, the media and even the public, others were more positive.

Many officers praised their leadership and the training, opportunities and relationships they formed within the department.

“I take great pride in our department’s diversity and level of professionalism and respect we show to all members of the community,” detective Michele Hackett wrote.

But, she said, “It is extremely frustrating to hear nothing but attacks and second-guessing from City Council members.”

You can read all of the exit interviews below or by clicking here.

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