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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

Confronting Race and Policing

Published: 
Friday, September 15, 2017
Confronting the role of structural racism in policing (and elsewhere) must be at the core of our work to save lives and ensure police are there to serve and protect.
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Know Your Rights: Police In Schools

Document, Published: 
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Many schools have police officers stationed on campus. Other schools may call police to respond to particular situations. Even though you are in school, you still have rights when interacting with police.
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There Must Be A Just Response to the Killing of Charleena Lyles

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
The killing of Charleena Lyles raises many disturbing questions and is a critical moment for Seattle's police accountability system
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Use of Pepper Spray Against Protesters at SeaTac Was Unnecessary and Excessive

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
The ACLU calls upon the Port of Seattle to review its policies and practices regarding use of force at peaceful protests to ensure that they do not violate fundamental rights.
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We Must Build Trust Between People and Police

Published: 
Monday, July 11, 2016
In the past several days we have seen intolerable violence around the country and we mourn the lives lost. We must all strive as never before to build a justice system that protects all of our community members.
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Lawsuit Says Tacoma Police Withheld Documents About Use of Stingray Surveillance Device

Published: 
Thursday, February 11, 2016
The ACLU-WA is suing the Tacoma Police Dept. for failing to disclose records related to its use of a highly intrusive stingray surveillance device. The suit seeks information vital to holding police accountable to the public it serves.
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ACLU Urges Overhaul of Pasco Police Policies

Published: 
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
The ACLU-WA has issued a report calling for major reforms in Pasco police policies in order to prevent unnecessary deaths and excessive use of force. (Pictured Above: ACLU-WA Deputy Director Jennifer Shaw at a press conference in Pasco)
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