Changes in Law and How They Affect You in Spokane County

August 9, 2021

As many of you know, the Washington state legislature has passed major new police reform legislative changes that have been signed by the governor. We want to be clear; We are still there for our citizens and will respond to service calls. However, these legislative changes will affect how and what we can respond to service calls. These changes are confusing, some literally contradicting each other and causing confusion across the state.

After careful review and consultation with our legal advisors, we would like to provide you with the following information in order to inform you, the citizens we serve, about the effects of these changes in the law and how we can legally address criminal activities.

We have also provided the names and contact information of Washington state legislatures and senators serving Spokane County. Please be respectful when contacting our lawmakers. Some supported these changes and some did not. If you want your voice to be heard, be respectful and polite. Let them know what you think about these restrictions, the criminal justice system, sentencing guidelines, and the release of accused suspects with little or no bail.

This is your community, your state, and your public safety. Share your thoughts on public safety and law enforcement’s ability to enforce law and hold criminals accountable.

This news release was prepared by the Spokane County Government. The views expressed here are your own.