The state’s top law enforcement group is moving to show Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank the door after a heated turn at the microphone in Olympia. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, known as WASPC, has begun the process that could lead to Swank’s expulsion following his tense appearance at a state Senate hearing on Thursday, spotlighting a widening split between the sheriff and statewide law enforcement leaders over his rhetoric and online activity.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, WASPC labeled Swank’s remarks "inflammatory" and said it is obligated under its bylaws to initiate proceedings so its board can decide whether to remove him from the organization. In roughly 90 seconds of testimony, Swank warned that "thousands of Pierce County residents will surround the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma" if officials attempt to remove him from office, language the association and several lawmakers said could be viewed as a threat.
What Swank told the committee
During his short but fiery testimony, Swank urged lawmakers to reject Senate Bill 5974 and challenged the Legislature’s authority in a sharp exchange with senators. He also stated that "transgender women are men," a comment that has drawn its own wave of criticism. Reporting by The News Tribune via Police1 notes that senators described his overall remarks as threatening.
WASPC's response and next steps
The statewide group, led by Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels and WASPC Executive Director Steven Strachan, was quick to distance itself from Swank. The association said his comments did not reflect its position and argued he had crossed a line in how he addressed lawmakers. Washington State Standard reports that while WASPC has "grave concerns" about SB 5974, it said Swank’s testimony "went beyond reasonable dialogue." The group says it will now follow its bylaws and convene its board to decide whether he should be expelled.
Legal and political implications
At the center of the blowup is SB 5974, a bill that would tighten eligibility rules for sheriffs and give the state Criminal Justice Training Commission a more explicit role in certification. Supporters argue it modernizes oversight of top county law enforcement officials, while critics warn it could be used to push out duly elected sheriffs. The bill text and summary are posted on the Washington State Legislature website.
The commission has told reporters it currently has multiple certification cases involving Swank in intake, a point flagged by The News Tribune via Police1. That detail raises the stakes over how SB 5974 might intersect with any existing efforts to review or revoke his certification.
Local fallout and what’s next
Swank’s time in office has already featured public run-ins with local officials, along with controversy over his social media posts and his use of outside legal counsel. Lawmakers said his latest appearance went too far. Washington State Standard reports that the bill’s sponsor and other committee members called his testimony "very, very threatening" and noted there is no set timetable for WASPC’s board to act.
WASPC says it will continue through its internal process and leave the final decision on Swank’s membership to its board. Even if he is expelled, that would not remove him from his elected role as Pierce County sheriff. With SB 5974 moving through the Legislature, lawmakers, law enforcement leaders and Pierce County residents will be watching closely how state oversight, association discipline and local voters’ choices all collide in this increasingly high-profile clash.
