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Kudos to the DOJ! Now On to the Hard Work of Reform

Kathleen Taylor, Executive Director
Friday, December 16th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
I returned, very happily, from the Department of Justice press conference this morning. The DOJ’s in-depth report confirms what the ACLU has been saying and what many people of color and others have experienced – that the Seattle Police Department has engaged in a pattern and practice of excessive use of force. Read More »
 
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MEDC Founders Award

ACLU-WA Receives Award for Racial Justice Work

Doug Honig, Communications Director, ACLU of Washington
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 at 11:52 am
On October 22, the Minority Executive Directors Coalition (MEDC) of King County presented the ACLU-WA its Founders Award for our work calling for a Department of Justice investigation of the Seattle Police Department and advocating for communities of color. Read More »
 
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ACLU-WA Deputy Director Jennifer Shaw Joins the Debate on Cop Cameras

Cop cameras: More and more police departments across the country are mounting recording devices directly on officers to capture their interactions with citizens. After a string of high profile cases involving police use of force, many, including Seattle Police Chief John Diaz, say it is time to use cop cams in Seattle. But others, including the ACLU of Washington, say concerns about privacy and the potential for tampering with the technology should keep cop cams out of the city. Read More »
 
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Time Well Spent: Learning About the Nuts and Bolts of Police Accountability

Alicia Briones
Monday, May 2nd, 2011 at 8:57 am
On April 15ththe Seattle University Law School hosted a CLE (continuing legal education) concerning police accountability and police misconduct issues. All of the speakers covered topics that addressed the current climate for accountability in Seattle and across Washington state. Overall, the presentations were frank, not only in what we are facing as a community and the importance of maintaining our civil rights, but also the nuts and bolts of the law.     Read More »
 
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Know Your Rights When Stopped by Police, Immigration or the FBI

We rely on the police to keep us safe and treat us all fairly, regardless of race, ethnicity,
national origin or religion. This guide provides tips for interacting with police and
understanding your rights. Note: some state laws may vary. Separate rules apply at
checkpoints and when entering the U.S. (including at airports). Read More »
 
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Yes, Race Still Matters in Our Criminal Justice System

Jennifer Shaw
Friday, March 11th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Several years ago, comedian Chris Rock created a “public service announcement” called “How Not to Get Your Ass Kicked by the Police.”  The message includes obvious directions like “obey the law” and as well as tongue-in-cheek suggestions like “if you have to give a friend a ride, get a white friend” and satire about police reactions. This piece is funny because it is based on a simple truth known throughout communities of color:  If you are a black or brown man, you don’t have to work very hard to attract the attention of the police. Read More »
 
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Expose the Facts about Racial Bias in Washington!

Jennifer Shaw
Monday, March 7th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Is the criminal justice system in Washington biased against people of color? Statistics from a new report may surprise you. Suppose a black driver and white driver are pulled over by police: Do you know which one is most likely to be searched? Do you know which one is most likely to actually have contraband in the car? Get involved and get the facts about racial bias. Take the quiz. We are working in the courts, in Olympia, and within Washington communities to stop racial bias, but we can't do it alone. We need your help. Take the quiz and spread the word about this injustice. Read More »
 
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Public Safety Committee Recommendations: A Welcome First Step

Jennifer Shaw
Monday, March 7th, 2011 at 9:30 am
The string of highly publicized incidents involving Seattle Police officers has resulted in community anger and mistrust as well as frustration on the part of the many excellent police officers who serve our city every day.  But the attention also gives City leaders a unique opportunity to make significant improvements in the policies and practices of the Department to ensure that all officers are able to maintain the public peace.  Read More »
 
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What to do When Stopped by the Police? Exercise! (Your Rights)

Nancy Talner, ACLU-WA Staff Attorney
Friday, March 4th, 2011 at 9:19 am
I heard about a case some years ago where a person arrested by the police was advised of his rights and responded by remaining silent and doing a series of push-ups. When the police asked what he was doing, he said, “Exercising my rights!”   Read More »
 
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Community Members Want Real Solutions to Gang Violence

Liezl Rebugio
Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 at 9:28 am
Eva’s son died from gang violence.  Every day she lives with an aching desire to hold him again.  But despite her grief, she opens her home to young people in her community, some of whom are at risk to be involved in gangs. A Yakima Valley resident, she wants to keep them off the streets and safe from the violence.   Eva is angry that her son is no longer with her, yet she wants more opportunities to help young people rather than sending them behind bars. Read More »
 
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