Police

Law & Courts

In Tacoma, some volunteers chafe at 'toothless' police oversight role

It’s a pivotal moment for policing in Tacoma, with the departure of three officers acquitted of criminal charges in the death of Manuel Ellis. Tacoma officials say they’ve negotiated a contract with the police union that gives the city important new powers when handling future misconduct allegations. But some community members say the new three-year contract has sidelined their goals for greater transparency by the Tacoma Police Department.

National

Violent crime is dropping fast in the U.S. — even if Americans don't believe it

In 2020, the United States experienced one of its most dangerous years in decades. But in 2023, crime in America looked very different. That change may have gone unnoticed.

Seattle Police is a 'good old boys club' where women struggle to get ahead, report says

Week in Review: bar inspections, school board resignations, and housing and homelessness

Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with Sandeep Kaushik, Lex Vaughn, and Enrique Cerna.

Advocates push for accountability one year after grad student run down by Seattle cruiser

One year ago this week, 23-year old graduate student Jaahnvi Kandula was struck and killed by a speeding police cruiser in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Police bodycam footage released in September drew global outrage after a police union leader who responded to investigate, Officer Daniel Auderer, joked about Kandula’s death, saying to a fellow union leader that Jaahnvi’s life had “limited value.” In a recommendation announced Tuesday, the Office of Police Accountability, a police watchdog staffed by both civilians and SPD sergeants, called the comments and actions “callous.”