Statement From Mayor Victoria Woodards on Signing on to the Mayors Pledge to Address Police Use of Force Policies

Tacoma's Mayor Victoria Woodards has taken a significant step in advancing police reform by signing the Mayor’s Pledge, an initiative spearheaded by the My Brother's Keeper Alliance. This pledge is designed to engage mayors and their communities in a thorough review of local police use of force policies. Mayor Woodards has been a long-time advocate for criminal justice reform, focusing on enhancing safety for marginalized communities, particularly African-American residents. Despite ongoing efforts by the City Council and City Manager, she recognizes the pressing need for more decisive action to eradicate systemic racism from all governmental institutions, including the Tacoma Police Department. By signing this pledge, Tacoma aligns itself with a broader national movement that seeks to improve accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.

The Mayor’s commitment underscores the urgency of addressing critical issues surrounding police conduct and community trust. Through this initiative, Tacoma aims to foster a more equitable and just policing environment. This proactive approach reflects a growing recognition of the importance of community involvement in shaping effective and fair police policies.