Police

Race & Identity

Black officers say racism was rampant at UW Police. Trial starts Monday in Seattle

A jury trial is scheduled to begin Monday in a case involving dozens of claims of racial discrimination at the University of Washington Police Department.

Jail reserved for exceptional cases, as Seattle’s new drug law takes effect

These changes come as King County is setting a new record for drug overdose deaths.

'Remember how much I love you.' Manny Ellis' mother recounts last conversation with her son in trial of officers charged in his death

Marcia Carter-Patterson, mother of Manuel Ellis, took the stand Monday in the trial of three Tacoma police officers charged with her son’s death. Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died in police custody in March 2020.

Crime

WA investigations office created in response to Manny Ellis killing begins work as trial of Tacoma officers continues

The Office of Independent Investigations, formed in 2021, is conducting trainings and bringing new staff on board to conduct investigations of the use of deadly force by law enforcement throughout the state.

Freeze! Police! What happens when people get caught doing drugs in Seattle?

Now that the dust has settled, what does the city's new drug ordinance mean for people who use drugs in public and others who witness or are otherwise impacted by that use?

Seattle drug plan will balance rehabilitation and public safety, Harrell says

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell explained his plan Thursday to balance public safety and rehabilitation in the face of a growing opioid crisis that has killed more Washingtonians so far in 2023 than all of last year.

Politics

Seattle mayor proposes 'doubling down' on homelessness and safety in 2024

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed changes to the city's 2024 budget Tuesday that would increase funding to fight homelessness, pump hundreds of millions of dollars toward affordable housing, and beef up a program to increase civilian response to certain 911 calls.