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Public Information Unit Records, 1975-1995

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Seattle (Wash.). Police Dept.
Title
Public Information Unit Records
Dates
1975-1995 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.6 cubic feet, (2 boxes)
Collection Number
6404-01
Summary
Records of the Seattle Police Department's Public Information Unit.
Repository
Seattle Municipal Archives
Seattle Municipal Archives
Office of the City Clerk
City of Seattle
PO Box 94728
98124-4728
Seattle, WA
Telephone: 2062337807
Fax: 2063869025
archives@seattle.gov
Access Restrictions

Records are open to the public.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

The City's first charter established the Marshall as the local peace officer. An 1883 Charter amendment established the position of Chief of Police with authority to hire police officers. The Chief of Police was an elected position until 1890. The 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 1896. The Chief of Police, appointed by the mayor, served as administrator of the Department. In 1962, the Department assumed authority for policing the harborfront, formerly a function of the Harbor Department.

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Content Description

Records of the Police Department's Public Information Unit, which was the focal point for the dissemination of information to the press and to the public regarding police activity. The unit also provided newspaper clippings and periodic publications to the department. The series consists mainly of correspondence with citizens and organizations, along with some internal departmental memoranda. Topics include commendations for individual officers, complaints, invitations, and requests for auction items. Note that there is a gap in the correspondence for 1985 and most of 1986. Press guidelines and exchanges with the local newspaper's troubleshooter columnists are also included in the records.

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Use of the Collection

Preferred Citation

[Item and date], Public Information Unit Records, Record Series 6404-01, Box [number], Folder [number]. Seattle Municipal Archives.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

Press releases from the unit can be found in Record Series 6404-03.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

  • Description: Press Guidelines and Rules
    Dates: 1975-1981
    Container: Box 1, Folder 1
  • Description: Seattle Times Troubleshooter/Seattle P-I Action
    Dates: 1989-1993
    Container: Box 1, Folder 2
  • Description: Correspondence (includes photos)
    Dates: 1978-1981
    Container: Box 1, Folder 3
  • Description: Correspondence
    Dates: 1982
    Container: Box 1, Folder 4
  • Description: Correspondence (Jan-June)
    Dates: 1983
    Container: Box 1, Folder 5
  • Description: Correspondence (July-Aug)
    Dates: 1983
    Container: Box 1, Folder 6
  • Description: Correspondence (Sept-Dec)
    Dates: 1983
    Container: Box 1, Folder 7
  • Description: Correspondence
    Dates: 1984
    Container: Box 1, Folder 8
  • Description: Correspondence (includes photos)
    Dates: 1986-1987
    Container: Box 1, Folder 9
  • Description: Correspondence
    Dates: 1988-1989
    Container: Box 2, Folder 1
  • Description: Correspondence (includes photo)
    Dates: 1990-1992
    Container: Box 2, Folder 2
  • Description: Correspondence
    Dates: 1993
    Container: Box 2, Folder 3
  • Description: Correspondence
    Dates: 1994
    Container: Box 2, Folder 4
  • Description: Correspondence
    Dates: 1995
    Container: Box 2, Folder 5

Names and Subjects

Subject Terms

  • Law enforcement--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Police-community relations--Washington (State)--Seattle
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