Throughout the course of the 2019 Washington State Legislative Session WAFOP took an active part in the passage and final funding of HB 1767.  This bill provided a large amount of funding to expand LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) programs. KIRO News Reporter Hannah Scott covered the topic and interviewed Executive Director Buffington.  See attached link to hear audio.

A failure to consistently prosecute repeat and prolific offenders does immeasurable damage to the public’s sense of safety and fails to consider the victims and the unintended negative impact on the community when such decisions are made. Washington State Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) supports the utilization of alternatives to incarceration including current and future diversion programs recently funded in the recent legislative session. However, in situations of high-volume offenders whose crimes only escalate in severity the community deserves a reliable partner in public safety from their local prosecutor’s office.

On behalf our officers, I am writing to express deep concerns regarding proposals to modify court rules related to the recording of interviews, identifications and interactions between officers and criminal suspects of crimes.

The 2019 National Honor Guard Exhibition and Pipe & Drum Demonstration will celebrate its 17thyear by welcoming law enforcement Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum bands from over 20 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The annual exhibition began as a vision by former Fraternal Order of Police National President Steve Young and upon his passing in January 2003 the first annual event was held in his honor in May of 2003. Considered the “best of the best” these teams will perform on May 14thon the National Mall as part of Police Week 2019. Over 1,500 visitors will attend the exhibition and demonstration throughout the day. Police Week draws over 40,000 visitors annually.

FOP Joins Collective Letter from First Responder Labor Groups in Support of HB 1155 Healthcare Worker Meal & Rest Breaks April 22, 2019 Legislators, We are writing to you today to ask that you support a version of the Healthcare Worker Meal & Rest Breaks bill that protects all healthcare workers and in all hospitals in Washington State.