WA Senate MOCC: Threatening Remarks by Sheriff Swank Raise Serious Concerns for Communities of Color
The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) is deeply concerned about the conduct and public statements of Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank during his testimony before the Senate Law & Justice Committee and the impact those remarks have on communities of color across Washington state.
During a public legislative hearing, Sheriff Swank rejected the authority of the Legislature, stated his intent to defy laws he disagrees with, and made remarks widely perceived as threatening. He asserted that if efforts were made to remove him from office, thousands of residents would surround the building to prevent it from happening. He continued, “I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I, and they, are prepared. Are you prepared?”
Our concern is not about bruised egos or political disagreements. We respect the right of every member of the public to raise issues and concerns with legislation as it moves through the legislative process, even when they vehemently disagree with us. However, the manner in which Sheriff Swank chose to engage raises serious concerns. His remarks departed from the standards of conduct expected in legislative testimony and undermined the principles of mutual respect and democratic process, regardless of policy differences.
Law enforcement officers in our state are entrusted with extraordinary authority, which is why they are held to the highest standards of professionalism. That professionalism requires respect for, and adherence to, the rule of law of our state.
As the elected chief law enforcement officer, a sheriff must set the tone for professional leadership. When a sitting county sheriff uses threatening language in a committee hearing and suggests defying state law designed to address public safety concerns, we must speak up. Communities of color, immigrant communities, and other marginalized Washingtonians experience disproportionate fear, scrutiny, and harm in interactions with law enforcement. A sheriff who publicly signals that laws are optional causes harm far beyond hearing rooms or headlines. It reaches patrol cars, jail cells, traffic stops, and everyday encounters where power is exercised without witnesses.
We also thank the law enforcement leaders who testified respectfully, offered constructive suggestions, and continue engaging in efforts to improve the bill, as well as the thousands of officers who serve with professionalism, integrity, and care every day. In recent years, the Legislature has taken concrete steps to strengthen community trust and accountability in modern policing, while also providing strong support for the challenges faced by the law enforcement profession. These investments reflect a sustained effort by lawmakers — including the MOCC — to equip law enforcement with the tools, training, and community support necessary to protect every Washingtonian while ensuring policing is effective, equitable, and accountable. Rank-and-file law enforcement officers agree that leadership should be held to the same standards they are.
No member of the Legislature has been more steadfast in his commitment to improving and supporting law enforcement than former sheriff and state Sen. John Lovick. Under his leadership, the Legislature has dedicated more than $11 million to three training academies, which have graduated 981 new law enforcement professionals over the past three years.
The people of Washington deserve law enforcement leaders who protect everyone, respect democratic institutions, and understand that authority must be exercised with restraint and accountability. The MOCC will continue working with anyone committed to this mission and with officers across the profession who show up every day to serve our communities with respect and dignity.
