By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs says it will consider expelling Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank from the organization.
• The move follows Swank’s testimony to a Washington state Senate committee opposing a bill to tighten eligibility standards for sheriffs.
• WASPC leaders called his remarks “inflammatory” and potentially threatening to legislators.
• No vote or timeline has been announced for the expulsion decision.
TACOMA, WA — The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs said Thursday it will begin proceedings to consider expelling Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank from the organization following his remarks to a state Senate committee.
Swank testified before the Senate Committee on Law & Justice in Olympia on Thursday in opposition to Senate Bill 5974, which would impose stricter eligibility requirements on police chiefs, marshals and sheriffs and allow removal of elected sheriffs if they lose certification from the state Criminal Justice Training Commission.
In his testimony, Swank told lawmakers he did not recognize their authority to impose the proposed requirements and made comments about Pierce County residents potentially gathering in Tacoma if he were removed from office, remarks WASPC leaders described as “inflammatory” and beyond reasonable dialogue.
WASPC President Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels and Executive Director Steven Strachan issued a joint statement saying the organization has “grave concerns” about the bill and that Swank’s conduct in testimony did not align with expected professional behavior.
Association officials said they intend to initiate formal procedures under WASPC bylaws to evaluate Swank’s membership, but they have not provided a timetable for a decision or vote by the board.
Swank, a former Seattle police officer elected sheriff in 2024, has had prior disputes with other local officials in Pierce County and has publicly opposed legislative oversight efforts.