Law And Courts

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Politics

Early votes put Seattle’s 'centrist' City Attorney candidate out front

Initial results were promising last night for Seattle’s “centrist” political candidates – they led their more progressive opponents in the races for mayor, one at-large city council seat and the race for city attorney that attracted national attention. In that race attorney Ann Davison leads by 17 points over former public defender Nicole Thomas-Kennedy, 58 to 41 percent. Davison described public safety as top of mind for Seattle voters this year.
Amy Radil

Angela King
Crime

Attorney general files criminal charges against Pierce County sheriff

Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer has been charged with two misdemeanors by the Washington state Attorney General.
Paige Browning

Amy Radil
Law & Courts

Seattle’s new U.S. Attorney: ‘Mass incarceration is a legit problem’

Western Washington has a new U.S. Attorney. Nick Brown was appointed by President Biden, and sworn in as the region’s top federal prosecutor earlier this month. Brown is the first Black U.S. Attorney to serve this district. And he has some big changes in mind.
Amy Radil
Crime

Stark differences on crime electrify race for Seattle city attorney

The normally uncontroversial race for Seattle city attorney has been an eventful one this year. The two candidates, Ann Davison and Nicole Thomas-Kennedy, have outlined dramatically different priorities for the city attorney’s civil and criminal efforts.
Amy Radil
Government

Another breach at Washington governor’s mansion reveals ongoing security gaps

A woman was able to enter the secure grounds of Washington's governor's residence on Wednesday before being stopped by the Washington State Patrol. Gov. Jay Inslee and First Lady Trudi Inslee were not home at the time. The security breach follows a much larger incident on January 6 when a group of pro-Trump supporters forced open a gate and spilled onto the mansion lawn, eventually making their way to the mansion's front portico.
Austin Jenkins
Law & Courts

Washington police divided on banning less-lethal ammunition under new law

Law enforcement agencies in Washington are facing a decision about whether to continue using less-lethal ammunition to detain people. They are technically banned under one of the state’s new police reform laws.
Amy Radil
Law & Courts

No word yet on refunds for people fined under now-void WA drug law

People who paid fines under Washington State’s old felony drug possession law say they are still waiting for the state to refund their money, which could total tens of millions of dollars.
Amy Radil
Crime

King County Courthouse employees demand safety measures after attack on colleague

Dozens of employees who work in the King County Courthouse rallied and marched in downtown Seattle on Friday, calling for stronger safety measures in the building and neighborhood. The crowd, made up of mostly female employees, said the report of an attempted rape of an employee in a courthouse restroom last month has added new urgency to their concerns.
Amy Radil
Crime

Police say their own lawyers can't agree about new Washington state reform laws

Several new police reform laws took effect in Washington last week, requiring de-escalation by police and restricting their use of force. The new laws are proving to be controversial among law enforcement agencies, with police chiefs pointing to confusion over how they should be implemented. But supporters say the new laws reflect the public will, and should be given time to work.
Amy Radil
Law & Courts

'Cultural changes ahead' for police in Washington state

As of this past Sunday, a series of new laws took effect governing Washington State law enforcement, including their use of force (HB 1310) and tactics (HB 1054). Some law enforcement leaders are warning of new hindrances and unintended consequences as the laws take effect; supporters of the changes say police are engaging in scare tactics and overreacting.
Amy Radil

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