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A 2021 law expanded Washington’s power to decertify police. Officers still avoid consequences
A state audit found agencies missed misconduct reports and a backlog of more than 1,000 cases slowed decertification, officials said.
- Washington's 2021 and 2026 police reform laws aimed to block problem officers from serving, yet agencies continue hiring those with misconduct histories due to legal loopholes and enforcement gaps.
- Law enforcement agencies often evade scrutiny by allowing officers to resign quietly rather than triggering investigations, a practice Rep. Roger Goodman, the Kirkland Democrat, identified as historically enabling problem officers to escape accountability.
- Ryan Cox, former Soap Lake Police Chief, moved between departments for decades despite alleged misconduct; the Soap Lake Police Department hired seven previously fired officers, including Shane Jones in 2020.
- The Criminal Justice Training Commission faces a backlog of more than 1,000 cases, often taking years to revoke certifications, while Anne Levinson, a retired judge, stated agencies bear primary responsibility for accountability.
- Lawsuits have halted major provisions of the 2026 law, while critics argue the state has not clearly defined 'disqualifying misconduct,' leaving enforcement gaps that allow problem officers to remain certified.
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Associated Press News+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
A 2021 law expanded Washington’s power to decertify police. Officers still avoid consequences
In 2021, Washington lawmakers expanded the state’s power to strip cops of their certification. In an effort to keep officers fired for certain types of misconduct out of law enforcement, they passed a law requiring police agencies across the state to quickly report officer separations and misconduct
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 40%
C 60%
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