The Seattle Times reports that the audit from the city’s Office of Inspector General found officers complied with the law 4% of the time. That was based on an examination of 50 cases in 2021 and 2022.
READ MOREA jury has cleared three Washington state police officers of all criminal charges in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was shocked, beaten and restrained face down on a Tacoma sidewalk as he pleaded for breath. The Pierce County medical examiner ruled Ellis’ death a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation, but lawyers for the officers said a high level of methamphetamine in Ellis’ system and a heart irregularity were to blame.
READ MOREThe 2024 state legislative agenda includes behavioral health investments, Measure 110, housing, services for the more vulnerable.
READ MORELawyers for three Washington state officers charged in the death of a Black man who was beaten, shocked and hogtied facedown on a sidewalk have made their final arguments to the jury.Two of the Tacoma police officers, Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank, are charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Officer Timothy Rankine faces a manslaughter charge for holding Manuel Ellis face down as he repeatedly said he could not breathe.
READ MOREThe region is struggling with an increase in synthetic opioid overdose deaths and visible public drug use in Portland and Seattle. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee wants lawmakers to approve $64 million in additional funding to expand opioid use prevention and treatment programs. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has proposed declaring a fentanyl emergency in Portland.
READ MOREChildren and teens are invited to more inclusive book fair, where each will receive a free book of their choosing.
READ MORENew owners submit plans for mixed-use and open spaces, residences and promenades, to city.
READ MOREThe National Weather Service reported that rainfall records were shattered in some areas of the Olympic Peninsula. Washington and Oregon officials have urged drivers to use caution as standing water and flooding affect roadways.
READ MOREAs physical attendance dwindles, First African Methodist Episcopal Zion is joining the growing trend of churches that are re-imagining how best to use their facilities.
READ MOREA man pushes items while a homeless encampment is being cleaned up in San Francisco, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Homeless people and their advocates say encampment sweeps are cruel and costly, and there aren't enough shelter beds or treatment for everyone. But government officials say it's unacceptable to let encampments fester and people need to accept offers of shelter or treatment, if they have a severe mental illness or addiction.
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