A 2021 law expanded Washington’s power to decertify police. Officers still avoid consequences
Summary
In 2021, Washington state passed a law to strengthen the state's power to remove police officers’ certifications to keep those with serious misconduct off the force. However, many officers accused of misconduct remain employed because local agencies do not always report issues or the state commission does not quickly investigate.Key Facts
- The 2021 law requires police agencies in Washington to quickly report officer separations and misconduct to the state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission.
- The law aimed to prevent officers with serious misconduct from working in law enforcement again.
- Despite the law, some officers accused of serious wrongdoing have avoided state investigations and stayed on the job or even been promoted.
- One officer accused multiple times became a police chief and was later accused of defrauding taxpayers.
- Another officer charged with DUI and fleeing a crash was never investigated by the state commission.
- An officer with a felony conviction in another state remained certified in Washington.
- The commission must revoke certification for felony convictions, some misdemeanors, and serious excessive force but can delay action due to a backlog of over 1,500 cases.
- Local police agencies hold primary responsibility for accountability but sometimes fail to report misconduct accurately or on time.
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