Port Hires Seattle Firm for E-mail Investigation

Seabold group to conduct further investigation of Port police issue

The Port of Seattle Commission today retained the Seabold Group, a Seattle consulting and investigations firm, to conduct an outside, independent review of the investigation of e-mails at the Port's police department.

Port Commission President John Creighton said the Seabold Group was chosen, in a competitive process, because of its ability to begin work right away and breadth of experience in investigations for public and private clients.

"We expect an independent, fair, thorough process," Creighton said.

The group will review the investigation, conclusions and disciplinary action connected with an inquiry into pornographic and racist e-mails among some members of the Port's police department. Nine officers were reprimanded and one was fired in the process.

The contract with the Seabold Group begins immediately. An update on their progress is expected at the Feb. 27 meeting of the Port Commission.