Town Hall Outlines Need for Civilian Police Oversight
Community Town Hall on
Independent Civilian Oversight of the Tacoma Police Department
Thursday, April 23, 6:00-8:00 pm
Evergreen State College, Tacoma Campus
1210 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA
For nearly 40 years, Tacoma residents have called for meaningful independent civilian oversight of the Tacoma Police Department. And yet, at every critical moment, structural change has stalled. The result: a pattern of preventable harm, eroded trust between communities and law enforcement, and millions of taxpayer dollars spent on claims and settlements that effective oversight could have helped avoid.
Independent civilian oversight gives community members a structured role in reviewing police conduct, recommending policy changes, and ensuring transparency and accountability. Cities across the country have adopted oversight models that strengthen both public trust and public safety.
Independent civilian oversight is not anti-police. It is pro-community, pro-safety, and pro-accountability. Officers who serve with integrity benefit from a system that holds everyone to the same standard.
Tacoma currently has limited mechanisms for community input on policing. But input is not the same as oversight. Existing structures do not include the independent authority necessary to investigate complaints, compel transparency, or recommend meaningful policy changes. This is the gap independent civilian oversight is designed to fill.
Who is the Sponsor of the Town Hall?
The Tacoma Pierce County Coalition is a broad alliance of community organizations, faith leaders, civic advocates, and residents united by a shared belief: Tacoma deserves meaningful, independent civilian oversight of its police department. This coalition is building on decades of community advocacy. We are neighbors, congregations, educators, legal professionals, students, and families who believe that when community is valued, everyone benefits.
What to Expect:
This is not a lecture. It is a community conversation about the future of public safety in Tacoma.
You Will Hear From:
Community leaders, a former Tacoma mayor, and advocates who will share the history, the human impact, and the path forward for independent civilian oversight.
You Will Have the Opportunity To:
Ask questions, share your perspective, and connect with neighbors and organizations working toward the same goal.
You Will Leave With:
A clear understanding of what independent civilian oversight is, why it matters for Tacoma, and exactly how you can take action.
Registration is free and open to all at this link. Registered attendees will receive an information package before the event so you can come prepared to engage.