City of Bellingham to pay 2.25 million after inaction on former officers domestic abuse

The City of Bellingham has been ordered to pay a staggering $2. 25 million in damages after a jury concluded that the city failed to address domestic abuse allegations against former police officer Brooks Laughlin. The lawsuit was brought forth by Laughlin's ex-wife Amanda DeBruin and his three children, who claimed that the Bellingham Police did not act on warnings from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office regarding Laughlin's abusive behavior. Despite being informed of Laughlin's actions prior to his arrest, the police department took no measures until it was too late. In December 2018, Laughlin was convicted on several counts of domestic abuse and initially sentenced to eight years in prison, but his sentence was reduced in 2021, leading to his release in 2023.

The jury awarded $1. 5 million to DeBruin and $250,000 to each of the children who witnessed the abuse, highlighting the profound emotional and psychological toll of domestic violence. This case reflects a critical examination of police accountability and the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect victims. The outcome serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction in the face of domestic abuse, particularly within law enforcement. It also emphasizes the importance of responsive measures in addressing such serious allegations.