WA Senate passes ban on police face coverings

OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street]—The Washington state Senate voted Wednesday to ban law enforcement from covering their faces in response to growing concerns over masked federal immigration agents. Senate Bill 5855 would cover local, state and federal law enforcement, with limited exceptions for uses like personal protective equipment and undercover or SWAT operations. The proposal is sure to […]
Four arrested in ICE and Border Patrol drug bust in Marysville, cache of weapons seized

MARYSVILLE—Border Patrol agents, with assistance with Homeland Security Investigations (HIS), took down a massive drug and firearms trafficking ring in Marysville, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks announced to X on Wednesday. The investigation, which began in the summer of 2025, was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs […]
Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins touches on Democratic priorities ahead of 2026 legislative session

OLYMPIA—With lawmakers returning to Olympia on January 12, 2026, the Lynnwood Times met with Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) to discuss the Washington State House Democrat Caucus’ priorities going into the 2026 legislative session. At the highest level, Jinkins said, the party will be seeking to “protect Washingtonians from federal overreach” – a […]
SCOUT Program: How embedded social workers and law enforcement are tackling homelessness

Homelessness affects every community, from large urban metros to small rural towns and everything in between. Many factors can lead to individuals living on the streets, including but not limited to mental health challenges and substance abuse. What we’ve learned over years of working on this issue is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to […]
Taking a bite out of crime: New Northwest Law Enforcement Training Academy now open

ARLINGTON—Just five months after its soft opening in October, the Washington State Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, March 20, for its newest regional law enforcement training center—Northwest Academy. Located in Arlington, the new training center will be Washington State’s third regional training facility within the last two years following Pasco, which opened in […]
Lawmakers celebrate soft open of new law enforcement training academy

ARLINGTON—The Washington State Justice Training Commission held a soft open on Tuesday, October 22, for its newest regional law enforcement training center set to officially open in Arlington in February 2025. Arlington’s law enforcement training center will be Washington State’s third regional training facility within the last two year facility following Pasco, which opened in […]
Inslee proclaims Law Enforcement Recognition Week

OLYMPIA—For their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty or for their distinguished exceptional meritorious conduct, 22 law enforcement officers were recognized on Friday, May 3, at the 2024 Peace Officers Memorial and Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony. “I want to say thanks for just being there in those moments of extreme danger and […]
Letter-to-Editor: Adam Fortney has improved morale Sheriff’s Office

As the owner of Pacific Industrial Park, I had the opportunity to lease and maintain the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department North Precinct. Over the past twenty-five years I have developed working relationships and friendships with Sheriff Adam Fortney, Undersheriff Ian Huri, Borough Chief Scott Robertson and many other deputies and staff. During Sheriff Fortney’s tenure […]
Letter-to-Editor: Important briefing about law enforcement today

Here’s a very important briefing about law enforcement reform current events. I’ve done law enforcement reform over a decade with League of Women Voters, I940, WA State task forces, and National of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement. I’ve testified for and against laws in the legislature. Our community want these kind of changes. Sheriff Fortney […]
Sponsor-a-Horse fundraiser benefitting the SPD Mounted Patrol Unit is underway

SEATTLE, Wash., August 11, 2023—The Seattle Police Foundation is excited to launch its inaugural Sponsor-a-Horse fundraiser, benefiting the Seattle Police Department’s (SPD) iconic Mounted Patrol Unit. SPD’s Mounted Patrol Unit is one of few remaining mounted units in the Pacific Northwest and is a treasured part of law enforcement in Seattle. SPF donors, corporate and […]