Washington Launches Statewide Use-of-Force Data Platform

On Monday, The Washington Attorney General’s Office announced the launch of the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS), a new cloud-based platform designed to improve public access to data on police use-of-force incidents across the state.

According to officials, the exchange provides a centralized, publicly accessible tool to view and analyze law enforcement use-of-force data. Created with strong bipartisan support in the Legislature in 2021, WADEPS was developed in collaboration with law enforcement, community leaders, and criminal justice researchers. It is now ready to collect data from Washington’s law enforcement agencies.

“A single location with clear, standardized and contextual information will help the public better understand the use of force in Washington,” said Attorney General Nick Brown. “Law enforcement and policymakers will have common tools to better analyze force and make informed decisions about policing policies and practices.”

The system is designed to help improve transparency, build public trust, and enable evidence-based decision-making on police policy. Under state law, law enforcement agencies are required to report incidents involving specific types of force—including the use of firearms, Tasers, pepper spray, canines, or physical strikes. Agencies must submit detailed data about both the officer and the individual involved, including age, gender, race, and ethnicity.

Law enforcement agencies must begin submitting data by September 2. After that, use-of-force data must be reported monthly, with updates on the outcome of any investigations required within 30 days of completion. WADEPS does not collect personally identifiable information about community members.

WADEPS is operated by Washington State University under a grant agreement with the Attorney General’s Office. A defining feature of the system is its ability to contextualize the data. Users will be able to see how use-of-force rates differ across various situations, such as police response to an assault, a traffic stop, or a mental health call.

Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-Tacoma, the sponsor of the original legislation establishing the database, said the launch represents a major step forward in creating a more transparent and accountable justice system.

“The launch of the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety marks a critical step forward in ensuring transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making in our justice system,” Nobles said. “This collaborative effort between law enforcement, community leaders, and researchers will help build trust and improve public safety outcomes for all Washingtonians. I’m so proud to have championed this work and look forward to seeing its impact.”

State Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, who sponsored the companion bill in the House before his appointment to the Senate in 2022, echoed those sentiments.

“When we understand the cause of an issue, we can fix it,” Lovick said. “This new data exchange represents Washington state’s commitment to trust, transparency, and accountability. When to use force is one of the most difficult decisions a peace officer must face and we must all work together to ensure that people are safe, and feel safe, in our communities.”

Several law enforcement agencies have already begun using the platform. Fife Police Chief Pete Fisher said WADEPS offers law enforcement a valuable tool to understand and improve practices.

“Use of force and force outcomes are extremely complex, impacted and influenced by myriad variables that vary significantly between jurisdictions—such as differences in location, crime rates, and numerous other factors,” Fisher said. “I have a great deal of confidence that WADEPS can be a mechanism to help police and community members better understand police use of force. If employed properly, it will provide the insight needed to allow police to tailor policy, training, and response for better outcomes.”