Does Washington state need an independent prosecutor to charge police with misusing deadly force? This year, a proposal to create a new, independent prosecutor at the state level is advancing at the Washington Legislature. House Bill 1579 would establish a unit within the Attorney General’s office to pursue charges against police officers accused of misusing deadly force. Amy Radil
Week in Review: crime prevention, fentanyl, and kids Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Erica Barnett, John Carlson, and Jodi-Ann Burey Kevin Kniestedt Bill Radke Play AudioListen 52 mins
Cleared of felony, Seattle cop who killed Indian student Kandula could end up in municipal court The Seattle City Attorney has announced it is reviewing the case of the police officer whose vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian last year. Officer Kevin Dave could face a penalty for negligent driving in the crash that killed 23-year-old graduate student Jaahnavi Kandula in January 2023. Amy Radil
Week in Review: book bans, grade inflation, and the Seattle Police Department Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Sarah Anne Lloyd, Bill Finkbeiner, and Claudia Rowe. . Kevin Kniestedt Bill Radke Play AudioListen 52 mins
Should police pursuit rules be looser in Washington? Lawmakers weigh the issue Washington lawmakers are set to take initial action on a group of voter initiatives this week, but only one of them could substantially change existing policies. Jeanie Lindsay
Bill to create independent prosecutor for police deadly force cases fails in Washington state A top priority for police accountability groups has died in the Washington legislature. It was the second attempt to launch an independent prosecutor’s office, to pursue cases against police officers accused of misusing deadly force. Amy Radil
Police pursuit, parent rights, income tax initiatives poised for final vote in Olympia Lawmakers are plowing ahead with three high-profile voter initiatives. The Legislature plans to take a final vote on the measures Monday, despite concerns from members of the Democratic majority. Jeanie Lindsay
Rules on firearms storage, open-carry, buybacks, and gun dealers advance in Washington Legislature As the Washington Legislature heads into its final week, four bills that address firearms storage, open-carry, buybacks and gun dealers have passed both chambers and appear headed to the governor’s desk. Amy Radil Play AudioListen 2 mins
‘It’s not going to be The Dukes of Hazzard.' Police welcome flexibility on pursuits, critics fear more crashes This summer police in Washington will have more leeway to pursue fleeing drivers. Supporters of the initiative say it will help stem crime and reckless driving. Opponents say the rollback is dangerous and goes against expert advice. Amy Radil Play AudioListen 2 mins
Higher salaries? Subsidized housing? What will it take for Seattle to recruit and retain more police? Facing staffing shortages, Seattle Police gave an update on officer recruitment and retention to the City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday. SPD says they’ve lost hundreds of officers in recent years despite extensive recruiting and advertising. Casey Martin
