A report presented to Pierce County Council last week found African Americans were arrested at higher rates than any other racial group in the county.
The review, which was compiled by members of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and Executive’s Office, examined the county’s criminal justice policies and made recommendations.
Although Black people made up 5.6% of the Pierce County population in 2019, they accounted for 17.4% of arrests and 25% of jail bookings, according to county data.
The disparity was even more apparent in the Tacoma metro area, including Lakewood, University Place and Fircrest. In Tacoma, Black people made up 9.7% of the population but accounted for 33.5% of arrests.
The data showed both White and Hispanic people were arrested at slightly disproportionately lower rates. White people – who make up 70.8% of Pierce County’s population – accounted for 67.6% of arrests and 58% of jail bookings. Hispanic people – who make up 9.8% of the population – made up 6.9% of arrests and 9% of bookings.
The report recommended the sheriff’s department invest in vehicle and body cameras, which it estimates would cost about $2.9 million.
Jessica Campbell, a Pierce County criminal defense attorney, called the report “a really good step.”
“I'm very happy that it came out,” Campbell said. “I think that it shows great progress. It shows that our county is really trying to look at these issues.”