SEATTLE A labor arbitrator has ordered the Seattle Police Department to stop releasing the names of officers found to have engaged in misconduct.

Seattle City Attorney's spokeswoman Kimberly Mills says her office is studying its legal options. The city tells The Seattle Times it's considering a court appeal, which could hinge on the Police Department's legal obligations under state public-disclosure laws.

In a ruling made public Wednesday, arbitrator Paul Grace found the city violated contract language prohibiting the release of the officers' names. He ruled at the request of the Seattle police officers' union.

The Police Department has been providing more information recently about internal investigations. The department is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department over its use of force and treatment of minorities.