KENNEWICK (July 22, 2021) — The Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) said today they support a request for a formal written legal opinion from the Washington State Attorney General regarding the implementation of ESHB 1310 and ESHB 1054, the use of force and police tactics bills approved in the 2021 legislative session. The support comes in response to decisions by some law enforcement executives to remove less-lethal weapons from service in response to ESHB 1310 and ESHB 1054. ...

(Kennewick, WA, June 24, 2021) The Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) issued the following statement today in response to a targeted use of graffiti on the personal car of Kennewick Police Officer James Canada, who is black. The car was spray painted with a derogatory slang term calling for violence against law enforcement. Canada also serves as president of the Kennewick Police Officers’ Benefit Association. “We are disgusted and deeply disturbed by this cowardly action, tar...

OLYMPIA, May 19, 2021 — With a dozen police reform measures now signed into law, the Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) today reaffirmed their disappointment in several aspects of these bills but remains committed to collaboratively implementing the new policies and restoring trust in the profession of law enforcement. WAFOP President Marco Monteblanco said the reforms approved this legislative session reflect the changing nature of policing, both in Washington state and a...

KENNEWICK May 6, 2021 — The effort to recall Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher cleared a key milestone Thursday with the certification of recall petition signatures, said Marco Monteblanco, president of the Washington Fraternal Order of Police. “Today’s certification of signatures means voters will have the opportunity to decide whether Sheriff Jerry Hatcher should continue to serve in his capacity as sheriff. This is another important step toward rebuilding public trust in Bent...

April 29, 2021- Although his title was misquoted, Washington State FOP president Marco Monteblanco was featured on Fox & Friends national news last week regarding the staffing crisis currently faced by Seattle PD. This in turn leads to a call for service crisis for Seattle residents, and it's unacceptable and frankly not fair to anyone. Monteblanco indicated that the majority of officers are not fighting police reform, and in fact they welcome it as times evolve.  He said, “...

KENNEWICK, April 27, 2021 — The Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) released the following statement regarding legislation enacted to address changes in Washington drug statutes in response to the State Supreme Court ruling in State v. Blake: “The most important element of this legislation is that it provides time and a structure for all stakeholders to come together and work collaboratively to develop an appropriate long-term fix for the state’s laws regarding drug posses...

KENNEWICK, April 23, 2021 — A Benton County signature-gathering effort has successfully collected the required number of signatures to place a petition to recall Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher on the ballot, marking another important next step in the recall process. Marco Monteblanco, president of the Washington Fraternal Order of Police, said, “Trust is one of the most integral components of our work as peace officers. Regrettably, Sheriff Hatcher’s actions have raised...