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Policing

Law enforcement must protect both public safety and the rights of individuals. This is why arrests and use of force should be last resorts, not first options, for police. The ACLU-WA advocates for stronger laws regulating police use of force, alternatives to arrest and incarceration, and de-escalation practices and training. And to ensure law enforcement is accountable to the people they serve, the ACLU-WA works for greater community oversight, such as independent civilian review boards with disciplinary authority.

Resources

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
The city must hold the department accountable when it causes harm and work toward a place where all Seattle residents feel safe. Our thoughts are with Jaahnavi’s family.
News Release, Published: 
Friday, February 2, 2024
ACLU-WA Sends Letter Urging Disengagement with Joint Enforcement Task Force and Protection of Privacy
News Release, Published: 
Thursday, December 21, 2023
ACLU of Washington statement on verdict in Tacoma police officers’ trial
Published: 
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
HB 1445, The Attorney General (AG) Civil Rights Investigations and Reform bill, addresses systemic failures in police departments.
News Release, Published: 
Thursday, September 7, 2023
A federal court has ended some federal oversight of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) by determining that SPD has complied with certain requirements in the Consent Decree resulting from the 2012 lawsuit United States v. City of Seattle.
Published: 
Thursday, March 30, 2023
This series examines how the ACLU-WA crafts and deploys amicus briefs to promote racial justice and systemic equality in the criminal legal system.

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