State Rep Wants MORE Unmarked Cars on Roads?

In a blatant act of non-accountability, WA police move to have a law changed, since they’ve been breaking it for decades.

We’ve shaken things up and the giant conversation we started on unmarked patrol cars is getting under the skin of police that want to sneak around and stop folks. According to their own reports, citizens keep calling them out and they are getting tired of it. The Grant County Sheriff even admitted on air that they were in violation. The excuses they bring up in this video are rather comical, as they try to explain that the law does not really apply to them and should be changed just to make sure.

You know the message is working when police start testifying in front of the State House. Under the guise of “clarification”, State Rep Liz Pike is working with police to REMOVE vehicle marking restrictions that currently apply to police under RCW 46.08.065. See proposed text here. She presented the bill this week to the WA Public Safety Committee, who will decide if it goes forward. Take action below!

In 2015 HB 1951, Rep. Pike is trying to alter the law to read — “This section shall not apply to vehicles of a sheriff’s office, or police department.” — Essentially making the entire law pointless, since it will not apply to the very agencies it was primarily written to restrict. We’re not sure if she is confused about the law and why it’s important; or if she is intentionally defying the will of the people and working to make our roads less safe. Either way we ask that she reconsider.

“That really creates an unsafe situation where you have the public trying to enforce a law on the police” – Camas Police Chief, Mitch Lackey

Dear Mitch. The police are OUR lackey’s. Not the other way around. The safest situation is when WE THE PEOPLE start enforcing the law on government. — Gav

During the testimony, Camas Police Chief Mitch Lackey support the change. He essentially explains that they have been ignoring unmarked car law for decades; so it would be better to simply have it changed in their favor! The testimony ignore the fact that all motorists, especially woman and young drivers, are put at server risk when unmarked cars prowl the streets stopping them for revenue.

The committee chair does not seem convinced as police and their representatives make analogies try to convince them that “OR” means something other that what it mean and that they are simply “clearing up” the confusion and that the law does not even apply to them. Everyone knows better. The rule of this law goes back to the 1930’s and was reaffirmed in the 70’s to apply to all police agencies. You can read the legal brief here that addressed all police objections.

Kevin Schmadeka, along time spokesman against dangerous unmarked patrol vehicles testified on behalf of the people, letting the committee know that the law fully restricts marked patrol cars, despite frequent denial from police. Kevin spoke to the serious issue of unmarked cars and how anyone can imitate police with simple police lights purchased online. — People have been assaulted, raped and murdered due to stopping for fake police vehicles.

If you see someone stopped by an unmarked vehicle, dial 911: Regardless of you think it might be, it’s dangerous and it’s irresponsible. Demand a marked sheriff come check it out.

Call to Action!

Contact WA Rep. Liz Pike and nicely let her know why we need more police accountability. Tell her we need to know that our families are being stopped by REAL officers. Ask her to work to make our roads safer for families, not more dangerous. Tell her we DO NOT want unmarked patrol cars!

Email: liz.pike@leg.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 786-7812

ALSO Email the entire Public Safety Committee at the addresses below. Tell them we want ALL unmarked patrol cars OFF our roads.

Roger.Goodman@leg.wa.gov, Tina.Orwall@leg.wa.gov, Brad.Klippert@leg.wa.gov, Dave.Hayes@leg.wa.gov, Sherry.Appleton@leg.wa.gov, Dan.Griffey@leg.wa.gov, Luis.Moscoso@leg.wa.gov, Eric.Pettigrew@leg.wa.gov, Lynda.Wilson@leg.wa.gov

This is not just about road safety. It’s about liberty and demanding that government respect the people and the law. Here’s the video that started this conversation last fall. You can read about the stop here.