Seattle is projecting a 33 percent increase in police departures this year, even as the department remains well below minimum staffing levels and the city has eliminated hiring bonuses.
The Seattle Police Department recorded 87 officer separations through October 22—already exceeding the 81 departures recorded in all of 2025. SPD projects that number will reach 108 by the end of 2026.
The figures, obtained by The Ari Hoffman Show, revealed Seattle’s effort to rebuild its police force continues to face substantial losses. With more than two months remaining in the year, departures have already surpassed last year’s total…