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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

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
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Mental Health
Policing

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
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Policing
Privacy

City of Shoreline v. McLemore

We argue that this misuse of obstruction charges has a chilling effect on the exercise of individual rights in interactions with the police. We asked the court to limit interpretation of the statute in order to protect constitutional rights.
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Policing

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