TACOMA, WA - In a powerful display of civic unity, the Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition has mobilized an extraordinary grassroots campaign, culminating in a formal request to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for a pattern-or-practice investigation into the Tacoma Police Department (TPD). This watershed moment comes after decades of community concerns about excessive force and discriminatory policing practices.
Within hours of the coalition submitting its comprehensive letter to the DOJ, an overwhelming wave of community support surged forth. To date, over 120 individuals – representing a diverse cross-section of Tacoma's residents, community organizations, and businesses – have signed in solidarity, signaling a seismic shift in the public's demand for police accountability, appropriate disciplinary action, and reform.
"Today, Tacoma speaks with one voice," declared Bishop Dr. Lawrence White, the Coalition's spokesperson. "The rapidity and diversity of support we've received is unprecedented. From long-time residents to business owners, from community leaders to young activists, Tacoma is united in saying: It's time for change. We can no longer accept a status quo that has failed to protect all our citizens equally."
The Coalition's letter to the DOJ meticulously documents a pattern of concerning incidents and statistical disparities in TPD's practices. Key points include:
TPD's own data reveals that force is used against Black residents at five times the rate compared to white residents.
Less than 9% of over 1,100 complaints against TPD officers were sustained over the past nine years, significantly lower than national averages.
Recent high-profile cases, including the death of Manuel Ellis, have further eroded community trust in local law enforcement.
This groundswell of support comes at a critical juncture for Tacoma, as the city grapples with national conversations about policing and racial justice. The Coalition's action represents a community-wide acknowledgment that local efforts, including those by the new Police Chief, have resulted in specific changes to systems and processes that were long overdue. However, more work remains to be done. While well-intentioned, these efforts have not produced the systemic changes the community requires to ensure equitable, accountable, and safe policing for all Tacoma residents, regardless of race.
"We recognize the complexity of this issue," Bishop White added. "This isn't about vilifying our police chief and our mayor, but about addressing deep-rooted systemic issues that have persisted for far too long. We're calling on the DOJ to help us create a model of policing that truly serves and protects all members of our community."
The Coalition will hold a press conference to provide further details and answer questions on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 10:00 am at 1954 South M St. Tacoma, WA 98405. Media attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the significance of this movement and its potential impact on Tacoma's future.
For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ud-CvqTkrHdHm_rA92vNq0NnDCqP2vYIx
Tacoma residents wishing to add their voices to this historic call for change can sign in solidarity at https://www.tpcc-in-solidarity.com/
About the Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition: Formed in response to ongoing concerns about policing practices, the coalition represents a diverse alliance of community organizations committed to creating a more just and equitable Tacoma. Member organizations include Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, The Black Collective, Tacoma Urban League, NAACP Tacoma Branch, LegallyBLACK, Tacoma Cease Fire, and Associated Ministries.
