Key Points: 

• Law enforcement agencies are now required to report use-of-force data when the public is injured or killed or when certain methods of force are used. 

• A Washington state institution of higher education is to receive use-of-force data to measure the effectiveness of policing reform strategies.

• An easily searchable, public-facing website will display the data. All police agencies have until Sept. 2 to begin reporting this data.  

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has announced the official launch of the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety, after several years of delays, according to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. 

“A single location with clear, standardized and contextual information will help the public better understand the use of force in Washington,” Brown wrote in a statement. “Law enforcement and policymakers will have common tools to better analyze force and make informed decisions about policing policies and practices.”  

This bipartisan legislation, known as Senate Bill 5259, received overwhelming support in 2021, passing the Senate with a 46-2 vote and the House with a 97-1 vote. It was signed into law by former Gov. Jay Inslee. The database, which tracks law enforcement's use of force incidents, was originally supposed to launch in April of 2023, according to the bill report, but after two years, WADEPS is now up and running as of Monday.  

Brown was contacted for additional comment but did not respond by press time.  

The website can be accessed at WADEPS.org.  

The law requires law enforcement agencies to report incidents where officers use force resulting in fatalities, injuries, or involve specific force methods, including firearms, tasers, pepper spray, strikes of a person with a weapon on their body and canine deployments.  

The collected data must include demographic details of both the officers and civilians involved, ensuring comprehensive tracking of interactions between police and the community. 

Senator T’wina Nobles, D-Fircrest, the bill's primary sponsor, said there was a critical need for data in addressing the disproportionate impact of law enforcement abuses on communities of color.  

“Washington state has no single source where the public can get information about uses of force. Without data, it is impossible to comprehensively track and address these issues,” Nobles said in a statement. “The data captured by Senate Bill 5259 will enable better allocation of resources and more effective assessment of current police reform strategies.” 

Law enforcement agencies have until Sept. 2 to begin reporting their data, with an ongoing requirement for monthly updates thereafter. 

Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete expressed his support for the new law, recognizing its potential for building public trust.  

“As Sheriff, I support efforts that promote transparency and public trust in law enforcement,” Kriete told the Columbia Basin Herald. “The WADEPS law presents an important opportunity to better understand and evaluate use-of-force incidents statewide.” 

He added, however, that practical challenges remain for law enforcement in implementing the new regulations.  

“We are working through the practical challenges of implementation – ensuring clear definitions, consistent reporting, and compliance with privacy regulations. Our priority remains the safety of our community and the well-being of those we serve,” Kriete said. 

The legislation stipulates that data collected must be deidentified to protect the privacy of individuals involved in police interactions.  

In addition to establishing the database, the law mandates that an advisory group, consisting of community leaders, law enforcement representatives and data experts, will be formed to refine the data collection and reporting process.  

Senator John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, sponsored the bill's companion legislation in the House prior to being appointed to the Senate in 2022.  

“When we understand the cause of an issue, we can fix it,” Lovick wrote in a statement. “This new data exchange represents Washington state’s commitment to trust, transparency, and accountability. When to use force is one of the most difficult decisions a peace officer must face and we must all work together to ensure that people are safe, and feel safe, in our communities.”