OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new state-organized database is now receiving information about use of force by Washington law enforcement.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has announced that the State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS) is now accepting data from law enforcement agencies around Washington.

The database was created following a 2021 law that passed with bipartisan support.

The law requires reporting of any use of force incident that involves an officer using a firearm, pepper spray, taser, canine, another weapon or their body against a person while on the job. Data about the demographics of the person and the officer are also included.

Law enforcement agencies have through Sept. 2 to start reporting their data and will need to make reports monthly from now on.