Washington § 10.118.030 - Use of force — Reporting requirements.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 10.118.030 — Use of force — Reporting requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 10.118.030. Use of force — Reporting requirements.

(1) Each law enforcement agency in the state is required to report each incident where a law enforcement officer employed by the agency used force and:
(a) A fatality occurred in connection with the use of force;
(b) Great bodily harm occurred in connection with the use of force;
(c) Substantial bodily harm occurred in connection with the use of force; or
(d) A law enforcement officer:
(i) Discharged a firearm at or in the direction of a person;
(ii) Pointed a firearm at a person;
(iii) Used a chokehold or vascular neck restraint;
(iv) Used an electronic control weapon including, but not limited to, a taser, against a person;
(v) Used oleoresin capsicum spray against a person;
(vi) Discharged a less lethal shotgun or other impact munitions at or in the direction of a person;
(vii) Struck a person using an impact weapon or instrument including, but not limited to, a club, baton, or flashlight;
(viii) Used any part of their body to physically strike a person including, but not limited to, punching, kicking, slapping, or using closed fists or feet;
(ix) Used a vehicle to intentionally strike a person or vehicle; or
(x) Deployed a canine by releasing it from the physical control of the law enforcement officer or had under the law enforcement officer's control a canine that bites a person.
(2) Each report required in subsection (1) of this section must include the following information:
(a) The date and time of the incident;
(b) The location of the incident;
(c) The agency or agencies employing the law enforcement officers;
(d) The type of force used by the law enforcement officer;
(e) The type of injury to the person against whom force was used, if any;
(f) The type of injury to the law enforcement officer, if any;
(g) Whether the person against whom force was used was armed or unarmed;
(h) Whether the person against whom force was used was believed to be armed;
(i) The type of weapon the person against whom force was used was armed with, if any;
(j) The age, gender, race, and ethnicity of the person against whom force was used, if known;
(k) The tribal affiliation of the person against whom force was used, if applicable and known;
(l) Whether the person against whom force was used exhibited any signs associated with a potential mental health condition or use of a controlled substance or alcohol based on the observation of the law enforcement officer;
(m) The name, age, gender, race, and ethnicity of the law enforcement officer, if known;
(n) The law enforcement officer's years of service;
(o) The reason for the initial contact between the person against whom force was used and the law enforcement officer;
(p) Whether any minors were present at the scene of the incident, if known;
(q) The entity conducting the independent investigation of the incident, if applicable;
(r) Whether dashboard or body worn camera footage was recorded for an incident;
(s) The number of officers who were present when force was used; and
(t) The number of suspects who were present when force was used.
(3) Each law enforcement agency must also report any additional incidents and data required by the statewide use of force data program developed in section 3, chapter 326, Laws of 2021.
(4) All law enforcement agencies shall submit the reports required by this section in accordance with the requirements of the statewide use of force data program no later than three months after the office of the attorney general determines that the system procured in RCW 10.118.040 can accept law enforcement agency reports. Reports must be made in the format and time frame established in the statewide use of force data program.
(5) A law enforcement agency has satisfied its reporting obligations pursuant to chapter 326, Laws of 2021 by submitting the reports and data required under this section. The contractor shall provide technical assistance to any law enforcement agency in gathering, compiling, and submitting the required reports and data for each incident.
[ 2021 c 326 s 4.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 10.118.030

What does Revised Code of Washington § 10.118.030 cover?

Section 10.118.030 ("Use of force — Reporting requirements.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 10.118.030?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 10.118.030" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 10.118.030 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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