Prior to the start of the contract in August 2023, the Office of the Attorney General (AGO) convened a use-of-force advisory board to provide guidance in establishing the data collection and reporting process for RCW 10.118. Comprised of representatives from law enforcement, community organizations, criminal justice researchers, and advocacy groups, the board reviewed and provided feedback on a standardized electronic reporting form and the data validation process.
The board also established the data elements governed by the use-of-force legislation and outlined best-practices for data collection and public accessibility.
The advisory board’s recommendations balance transparency and accountability while taking into account the potential impact on law enforcement agencies’ operations and relationships with their communities.
- View the AGO-approved data dictionary.
Considering opportunities
One of our initial milestones was to review the data elements the AGO advisory board identified for potential enhancements. Working with the our data governance group, WADEPS incorporated input from agency and community focus groups and lessons learned from similar data systems across the country to develop an enhanced set of use-of-force data elements which maintained alignment with the advisory board recommendations.
The enhanced version was submitted to the AGO for review. The AGO determined the RCW authorization to enhance the system is unclear (see RCW 10.118.030, sections 3 and 4). While it is unlikely the legislature expected data collection to remain static based on the knowledge and practices of 2021, WADEPS will not change the data elements without legislative authorization.
WADEPS will implement the original advisory board-recommended data elements (including minor AGO-approved administrative changes), ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
As the policing discipline evolves and data analytics tools advance, WADEPS will look for opportunities to enhance use-of-force data platform.
- View the proposed enhanced data dictionary.
- View the crosswalk comparision.