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.

It’s time to prioritize traffic safety for all Washingtonians. This bill will do that.

Low-risk traffic stops are ineffective at keeping people safe.

Is crime rising in Washington?

Let’s take a closer look at the data.

Cover of the wallet card: What to do if you're stopped by the police

Wallet Card: Your Rights With the Police

What to do when you are stopped by the police

Resources

Publicly Funded Chaplains

News Release, Published:

Monday, June 30, 1997

The state supreme court in April ruled by a 5-3 vote that the Pierce County Sheriff's Department chaplaincy program does not violate the separation of church and state. The ACLU-WA had filed a lawsuit in 1991 challenging the program for violating constitutional prohibitions on government sponsorship of religious activities.

Beltran-Serrano et al. v. City of Tacoma

We argue that the police have a duty of care owed to the citizens they serve, including those with disabilities and those who speak languages other than English. Disallowing negligence claims against the police removes a key tool of deterrenc

Explore More:

Mental Health

Policing

State of Washington v. Athan

ACLU objects to police collecting genetic evidence from envelopes without a warrant

Explore More:

State of Washington v. Clark

Amicus brief urging police to get tribal court approval of warrants on tribal land

Explore More:

Policing

Privacy

OPNET et al. v. Real Property et al

The amicus brief explains the importance of legal safeguards in forfeiture cases, including the importance of awarding attorney fees.

Explore More:

Marijuana

Policing

Mejia v. Miller

Case of alleged use of excessive force by Bureau of Land Management officer

Explore More:

Policing

State of Washington v. McGee

Brief expressing opposition to changes to the attenuation doctrine that would have harmful effects

Explore More:

M. Akifur Rahman et al. v. Michael Chertoff et al.

A federal court has ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI to disclose whether 10 people who have been repeatedly stopped and questioned at border crossings are listed in a federal terrorist watchlist.

Explore More:

Terrorism/Emergency Powers

State of Washington v. Mayfield

We argue that requirement of this specific form of analysis, when a State Constitutional right to privacy is asserted and claims have been supported, poses a substantial risk to privacy protections in Washington State

Explore More:

Policing

Privacy

State v. Sum

The case implemented a new requirement that race be considered when determining whether a person feels reasonably free to leave during an interaction with police.

Explore More: