Issue Spotlight: WADEPS Data Continues to Showcase Law Enforcement Professionalism 

Next month, the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS) will release its next report analyzing use-of-force in Washington. WACOPS continues to be a proud collaborator in building this first-in-the-nation statewide database that tracks every reportable use-of-force incident across the state. We strongly believe that transparency builds trust and look forward to seeing the outcomes in this next report.

Ahead of the release of the next report and before the next legislative session kicks off, we encourage you to explore the database and familiarize yourself with this information. As you'll see, it takes over 2,300 calls for service to have one reportable use of force incident. And in these highly infrequent incidents, significant injury to either an officer or an individual is also rare, occurring less than 20% of the time.

The data continues to confirm what we have long known: that our state's officers rarely use force, and when they must, they do so judiciously. The men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe have shown they consistently exercise remarkable judgement under fast-moving, high-pressure, and dangerous conditions – all while facing the worst police staffing crisis in the nation.

As we look ahead to 2027, we urge you to keep this evidence top of mind as you consider introducing changes to the way policing is governed in our state. And as always, WACOPS' door is open – we are here to work with you and share our expertise as legislation is developed. We look forward to collaborating and creating a healthier, safer Washington for all.

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Public Safety by the Numbers

0.04%

Washington law enforcement officers used force in 0.425 incidents per every 1,000 calls for service – that's 0.04% of the time. That means that in 99.9% of the 2.1 million calls for service that an officer responded to since this data has been collected, no reportable use of force was used. This number reinforces the incredible professionalism, responsibility, and care that Washington's peace officers continue to display across the state in keeping our communities safe.

Explore the Data

WACOPS in Action: Representing Our Officers Internationally

Last month, we were proud to represent Washington's officers at the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA)'s 23rd annual international convention. As an affiliate of IUPA, WACOPS has the opportunity to use our collective voice beyond Washington's borders to help improve the law enforcement profession across the world – sharing best practices, working through shared challenges, and collaborating on strategies to advocate for better working conditions and safer communities.

What We’re Reading: Recent Coverage Worth Your Attention

• Fox 13: Washington crime rate drops, but remains last in US for police staffing
• KOMO: Training Commission breaks down how Washington officers train for high-pressure situations
• Fox 13: WA police advocate for Flock cameras amid staffing shortage
• Columbia Basin Herald: Royal City’s new police union to begin contract negotiations