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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

Published: 
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
This post describes the various models of civilian oversight and the duties of the OPO and OPOC in Spokane. It also explores the barriers these agencies face in carrying out their role as well as the progress they’ve made, and articulates the hopeful path that lies ahead.
Published: 
Thursday, April 22, 2021
To date, this blog series has focused largely on upstream efforts to transform policing, reduce or prevent its harms, and create public safety for all. This blog post examines endeavors to make more robust the inquest process, a tool for holding police accountable and obtaining justice for bereaved families after police harm has already been done.
News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Statements from ACLU of Washington, ACLU of Minnesota and ACLU National regarding the guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin's trial.
Published: 
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Accountability is not justice. There is much work to be done.

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