City of Tacomas Statement State of Washington v. TPD Officers Burbank, Collins Rankine

The City of Tacoma has released a statement as the trial begins for Officers Shane Burbank, Matthew Collins, and Timothy Rankine, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence. Tacoma officials, including the Mayor and City Council, will refrain from commenting on the trial to uphold the court's integrity. The statement outlines the city's commitment to creating a just and transparent public safety model, highlighting significant initiatives like a revised Use of Force policy that bans chokeholds and mandates officer intervention in excessive force situations. Tacoma Police Department (TPD) is also enhancing its transparency with updated body-worn camera policies and the launch of community-focused dashboards later this month. Furthermore, TPD is piloting the collection of demographic data from police encounters to support bias-free policing.

The city is actively collaborating with community members to develop a Community Safety Action Plan, reflecting a dedication to reforming law enforcement practices. Tacoma’s leadership is also supporting statewide legislative reforms aimed at improving police tactics and accountability. The public can follow the trial proceedings through Pierce County's livestream portal.