Policing Accountability & Transparency

What is a Complaint?

A complaint is any communication, verbal or written, conveying dissatisfaction with the performance or conduct of the Department or one or more of its members. A complaint could also be allegations of unlawful acts by one or more members of the Department.

Who May Complain?

Any person, regardless of age, sex or nationality who witnesses or has direct knowledge of police misconduct or unlawful behavior may file a complaint with the Tacoma Police Department.

The Tacoma Police Department views all citizen complaints against its employees seriously.  For this reason, complaints must be based on fact.  Intentional false reporting in an attempt to unjustly subject a police employee to undeserved discipline or slander, or to place his/her employment in jeopardy, could result in criminal charges being filed and/or a civil suit by the employee involved.

How Do I File a Complaint?

Complaints may be filed in person, by US mail, or by email.

• Internal Affairs Section
  3701 S. Pine Street
  Tacoma, WA 98409
• 24-hour recorded line: (253) 591-5283
• Communications Center: (253) 287-4455
• Email: TPD-IA@tacoma.gov

Please be as detailed as possible when sending an email complaint. Anonymous complaints will be accepted; however, our ability to thoroughly investigate the complaint will be limited in those cases without evidence to substantiate the complaint.

The Investigative Process

Once your complaint is filed, the investigation will begin. Witnesses will be contacted and pertinent information will be gathered. The employee in question may be interviewed, the investigation will be reviewed by administrative personnel, and a decision made as to the disposition. You will receive notification of the investigation’s outcome. If you have questions about the results, there will be a listing of staff that can be contacted at the bottom of the notification. Your cooperation in all of these elements is very important to a successful and proper investigation.

Types of Complaints

• Inquiries: Inquiries can be handled by any supervisor within the Department. Usually, an inquiry is a question involving the actions of an employee. If the question can be satisfactorily answered by the supervisor, the inquiry is noted into a log. These types of investigations can be resolved immediately.
• Bureau Level Complaints: Most complaints will be handled at the bureau level. This means the officer’s supervisor will complete the investigation and make recommendations to the bureau commander. Retraining, counseling and reprimands could result if the complaint is sustained. Bureau level complaints are usually completed within 30 days, but depending on the complexity of the complaint, could take longer.
• IA Complaints: Complaints of a more serious nature will be investigated by Internal Affairs. Suspension, demotion and/or termination of the employee could result if the complaint is sustained.
• Criminal Complaints: Criminal complaints will be investigated by Criminal Investigative Unit detectives, or an outside law enforcement agency, as well as a parallel investigation being conducted by Internal Affairs. Because these complaints involve legal processes, the length of time to compete them is difficult to predict.

Dispositions

• Sustained: The investigation revealed the employee acted improperly with respect to the Department policy.
• Not Sustained: The investigation is unable to substantiate whether or not misconduct or violation of policy or procedures occurred.
• Unfounded: The investigation revealed that the facts or actions alleged did not occur.
• Exonerated: The investigation revealed that the facts or actions alleged were substantially correct; however, the conduct of the Officer was proper given the circumstances.

Use of Force—Improved Accountability and Transparency

(Completed, operational)

• 1.A. Use of Force Policy: Updated in November 2022, TPD revised its Use of Force Policy which now requires officers to intervene when they observe excessive use of force by another officer, bans chokeholds, requires de-escalation, bans shooting at moving vehicles, requires warning before shots are fired, and more. Additionally, it expands the training required beyond what the attorney general suggested and state law mandates.

• 1.B. Deadly Force Review Board: The Deadly Force Review Board, with six voting members that include two citizen representatives, reviews investigations of incidents involving deadly force, and the board determines if the application of deadly force was within department policy. The board may also examine significant training and equipment issues. The board then reports its findings to the Chief of Police, and these reports may include recommendations to further investigate the incident.

• 1.C. PCFIT Investigations: When Tacoma Police Officers are involved in incidents that include deadly use of force, the incident is referred to the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) for independent investigation. Members of the public can view the investigation records, news releases, and other public documents released by the independent investigation team and by TPD’s internal review team by visiting the City’s Use of Force web page. These documents are added to the web page periodically as the investigation unfolds and the documents are made available.

Comprehensive TPD Policy Review

(In progress)

TPD is currently undergoing a comprehensive review and revision of all Department Policies to ensure TPD’s operations are fair, that they align with industry best practices and guidance, that they are consistent with the latest changes in state and federal laws and court decisions, and that our policies better reflect community expectations of officer conduct and interaction with the public. Appropriate references to the Community’s Police Advisory Committee are also being incorporated into TPD’s policy documentation as part of the comprehensive review.

This work is being done with the help of Lexipol—a nationwide company that provides a full library of customizable state-specific law enforcement policies. Additionally, the new policies will incorporate suggestions and recommendations offered as part of an assessment completed by the Community’s Police Advisory Committee.

Progress Report – July 2024

• Pending: 15%
• Review in progress: 67%
• Completed: 18%
• Full text of revised policy chapters is available at Public Documents Directory – Tacoma Police Department – PowerDMS

21st Century Policing Solutions Recommendations

(In progress)

TPD continues to implement the recommendations from 21st Century Policing Solutions on how TPD can lead 21st Century Policing in Anti-Racism. The report, issued in March 2021, includes 69 recommendations spanning all aspects of policing and the department structure, including revising use of force policies and procedures, improving officer accountability, optimizing the department’s organizational structure, improving officer training, support and wellness, and more.

Bias-Free Policing – Data Pilot Program

(In progress)

TPD is currently analyzing the results of a pilot data collection program using the existing Computer Automated Dispatch (CAD) system. Officers who participated in the pilot entered the demographic data they observed about the community members they encountered when responding to calls for service.

While the pilot data is still being analyzed and the effectiveness still being evaluated, the hope is that a program based on this pilot will use community demographic data relating to police encounters that will support bias-free policing. During this evaluation phase, the program has been paused. Once the data is evaluated to ensure it supports bias-free policing, the program will resume.

TPD Crime Data Dashboard

(Completed, operational)

In December 2023, TPD launched the Tacoma Police Crime Dashboard with comprehensive data that spans five years and analytical tools that compare and contrast data sets by various time periods, by neighborhood, by crime category, and much more. Updated each business day with new data, the dashboard can help you track trends and analyses almost in real-time.

• Watch the tutorial Tacoma Police Crime Dashboard: A 101 Lesson Video
• Launch the Tacoma Police Crime Dashboard database

Creating a publicly available data dashboard reflects the Department’s commitment to public accountability and transparency, and represents the fulfillment of specific recommendations from the TPD 21st Century Policing Solutions report.

Violent Crime Reduction Plan

(Completed)

The Tacoma Police Department is focused on reducing crime.  In June 2022, TPD initiated the Violent Crime Reduction Plan, a product of work by TPD analysts and experienced criminologists from the University of Texas, San Antonio. The plan used robust scientific methodology and placed-based data with proven success in other major cities.

The Violent Crime Reduction Plan did NOT employ tactics that involve over-policing, “stop and frisk,” or “zero-tolerance policing”, but rather a specific approach to minimizing violence in certain geographic areas based on heavily analyzed place-based data that drives a detailed, customized police response to reduce crime rates in designated “hot spots.”

TPD promotes transparency and accountability by reporting quarterly to the City Council on the progress of the program and improvements in crime rates in the targeted geographic “hot spots,” demonstrating to the community that science- and data-based policing techniques encourages greater fairness in policing while still achieving crime reduction goals.

Use of Cameras and Law Enforcement Technologies

(Completed, operational)

Cameras: TPD completed the deployment of Body Cameras and Dash Cameras across the department in 2024. It’s estimated that more than 80% of police departments and agencies in the U.S. use either Body Cams or Dash Cams or both as of 2023. There is overwhelming evidence that the use of Body Cams by police improves accountability, improve evidentiary outcomes, enhances safety for all parties, and improves interactions between police and community members.

• A. Body Worn Cameras, commonly called Body Cams, were introduced in January 2021. Officers are required to activate the recording function of the body worn camera when they engage with the public in their law enforcement capacity.
• B. In-Car Cameras, commonly called Dash-Cameras or Dash Cams, were installed in most TPD patrol vehicles in late 2023. The vendor recently delivered the final camera equipment order, and the remaining cameras were installed in August 2024. If you see a camera in a patrol vehicle on the street today, those cameras are functional and recording.

Other Law Enforcement Technologies:

• C. Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR)
• D. ShotSpotter.
• E. The implementation and evaluation of RECOVER Latent Fingerprint Technology to increase TPD’s ability to identify suspects in shootings where casings are recovered.
• F. The replacement of a FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner (crime scene scanner) used to capture complete, accurate images of on-scene evidence and generate 360-degree views of crime scenes to improve evidence collection and documentation.

Reflect & Protect Officer Recruiting Campaign

(Completed, operational)

One way to improve accountability and transparency in policing is to build more trust between community members and the officers who serve them. To that end, TPD introduced the Reflect & Protect officer recruiting campaign that actively seeks officer candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds that mirror the rich diversity of the Tacoma community.

The ultimate goal goes beyond just fully staffing the department—TPD is building a department culture with officers of exceptional character who care for and respect the community they serve. TPD strives for more positive interactions between officers and the community members they encounter because of shared backgrounds and experiences. TPD seeks more officers to join our team who have a personal understanding of historic discrimination and traumas experienced by BIPOC community members, LGBTQ+ community members, and other diverse groups during police encounters.

Community Service Officers (CSOs)

(Operational)

TPD developed a Community Service Officer (CSO) program, a new non-commissioned public safety response for non-violent incidents. TPD’s CSO program is part of the City’s portfolio of new and revised programs that offer Alternative Responses to traditional public safety responses, which also includes TFD’s HOPE Team, and the HEAL Team in the Neighborhood and Community Services Department. The first CSOs started work in the field in May 2024.

CSOs respond to and prepare incident reports for calls for service that are not in progress, that are routine in nature, where a suspect is not on the scene, and where there is no immediate threat. CSOs do not have arrest authority beyond that granted by state law to a private citizen. CSOs shall not carry or possess a firearm while discharging their official duties.

TPD Liaisons to City Committees, Boards and Commissions, and to Community

• 10.A. Community’s Police Advisory Committee (CPAC): CPAC is a policy-focused committee that will help to ensure transparency and accountability in the way that the City of Tacoma Police Department operates. The Committee also provides community outreach and education through public hearings and committee efforts. It also is responsible for reviewing police policy at the request of the City Council or City Manager, receiving and reviewing policy complaints by members of the public, and providing advice to the City Council, the City Manager and the Chief of Police on policy matters.
  • TPD provides a uniformed officer liaison (lieutenant) to CPAC who assists the volunteer members with the complaint review process and records review. (Completed, operational)

• 10.B. CPAC Civilian Liaison: As of January 2024, the City Manager’s Office is developing a position description for a civilian liaison position to the CPAC who would perform the following functions per TMC 1.06.075 (in progress): 
  • Receive and forward community-initiated conduct complaints to TPD;
  • Ensure complainants are notified that their complaint has been received and forwarded and that they are informed of all findings;
  • Produce statistical reports;
  • Serve as a liaison to the CPAC;
  • Other duties related to implementation of this section, as may be assigned by the City Manager.

• 10.C. Commission on Immigration & Refugee Affairs (CIRA): The purpose of CIRA is to better engage Tacoma’s immigrant and refugee communities and to work with community partners to identify and advance positive outcomes for members of this population.
  • TPD provides a liaison who addresses concerns related to local law enforcement activities that may impact immigrant and refugee communities. (Completed, operational)
•  10.D. LGBTQ Community Liaisons: These community liaison officers cultivate ongoing dialogue and gather input directly from LGBTQ+ community members about concerns, work collaboratively to identify solutions, and educate about recommended safety measures and available resources. The LGBTQ liaison officers also serve as an internal resource for the department on issues of inclusiveness. (Completed, operational)

Community Safety Action Strategy

(In progress)

The City’s Community Safety Action Strategy is currently under development with the City’s Office of Strategy. The action strategy is comprehensive, long-term approach to community safety that goes beyond policing and crime enforcement with a four-pronged approach:

• Co-create Healthy PLACES and Neighborhoods: Support economic and environmental conditions that make Tacoma feel safe for everyone to live, learn, work and play.
• Invest in PEOPLE to create belonging and prevention: Support focused approaches to specific community needs to create a sense of safety and belonging.
• RESPOND Effectively and with Care: Act with respect and understanding to address community safety needs.
• Promote Healing and REPAIR: Support individuals, families, and neighborhoods to overcome trauma, rebuild relationships, and work towards a community where everyone belongs

New Contract with Tacoma Police Union, Local 6, I.U.P.A.

(Completed)

On January 16, 2024, the Tacoma City Council ratified the newest collective bargaining agreement between the City and Tacoma’s police union. Along with the revised salary and benefit schedules, the labor contract includes two revisions that will improve officer accountability and rebuild trust with the community:

• If an officer charged with a felony crime, the Chief of Police will now be required to place officer on unpaid leave (vs. paid leave under previous contract agreements).
• The Chief of Police now has the flexibility to complete an internal investigation at the same time a criminal investigation is ongoing. An internal investigation includes actions like conducting officer interviews, completing internal investigations and fact-finding, and determining if a policy violation occurred which would warrant discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology 

What is ALPR technology, and why is the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) implementing it?

• ALPR (Automated License Plate Reader) technology is a system that scans and processes license plate data to assist in law enforcement activities. 
• TPD is implementing ALPR on February 10, 2025, to enhance public safety, improve officer safety, and positively impact property crime resolution.

How does ALPR benefit public safety?

• ALPR helps resolve BOLO (Be on the Lookout) incidents, Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, and cases involving missing persons or felonies more efficiently.
• ALPR connects with law enforcement databases to facilitate cross-jurisdictional collaboration, improving response time and case outcomes.

How does ALPR improve officer safety?

• By automating license plate data collection, it allows officers to focus on driving and handling other responsibilities.
• ALPR reduces manual data entry, minimizing distractions and enhancing officer safety.

How does ALPR help reduce property crime?

• By scanning dozens of license plates in minutes, increasing coverage and efficiency.

• With this capability, TPD expects to recover more stolen vehicles and respond more effectively to property crime incidents.

Does ALPR collect personal or personally identifiable information (PII)?

• No. ALPR only scans vehicles and license plates in the public right-of-way. 

• It does not collect personal information or target specific individuals, makes, or models of vehicles.

• Data collected is limited to vehicle-related information, such as license plates and timestamps.
• The system operates by scanning and processing license plates from vehicles in its field of view, regardless of location or vehicle type. 

How is ALPR data used and protected?

• Access is restricted to specific, pre-approved databases (e.g., stolen vehicle databases).

• Data is used strictly for solving crimes and public safety incidents.
• It is not used for surveillance, profiling, or shared with unauthorized agencies or entities.

How long is ALPR data retained?

• Data not tied to active investigations is automatically deleted after 30 days.
• Data related to investigations is retained per Washington State Records Retention Laws.

Have other jurisdictions successfully used ALPR?

• Yes. Cities such as Seattle, Lakewood, and Puyallup have successfully implemented ALPR to enhance public safety. 
• For instance, Lakewood PD recovered over 50 stolen vehicles in the first three months of using ALPR.

Has Tacoma used ALPR before?

• Yes. Tacoma Parking Enforcement has used ALPR, and TPD previously used similar video/scanning tools before they became obsolete. 
• The updated ALPR technology is now integrated with dash cameras in 193 marked patrol vehicles.

How will the community be informed about ALPR use in Tacoma?

• TPD will conduct a 90-day evaluation phase to assess effectiveness and refine policies.
• Regular community updates will ensure transparency and provide information on ALPR’s impact on public safety.

For further questions, contact the Tacoma Police Department at (253) 287-4455 or visit tacoma.gov/police.