(Oct. 16, 2026) In Episode 388, Informed Life radio welcomed Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, a staunch supporter of medical autonomy and individual rights, to discuss an October 2 Washington court ruling striking down provisions of SB 5974. The law would have expanded state oversight of sheriffs through new eligibility requirements and the authority of the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to deny or revoke certification, potentially resulting in removal from office.
A US Army veteran with over 33 distinguished years of law enforcement experience, including service as a Seattle Police Department captain and SWAT commander, Swank brings a firsthand perspective to the debate over government accountability, free speech, and the authority of elected sheriffs. We look at what a Thurston County judge ruled unconstitutional and what this means for voters and sheriffs.
Please accept our apologies. Due to technical difficulties, this interview was conducted over a phone conference and has no video.
References:
- Meet Your Sheriff | Pierce County, WA
- He says God told him to run. Now ex-Seattle cop will be Pierce County’s new sheriff
- SB 5974 Washington State Legislature
- Bill Text: SB 5974 – Modernizing and strengthening laws concerning sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, law enforcement agency volunteers, youth cadets, specially commissioned officers, and police matrons.
- Judge blocks Washington’s SB 5974 sheriff loyalty oath law before it took effect | Seattle Red
- Mary Robnett Vs. Joan K Mell Lawsuit
- Court pauses fee order in Sheriff Keith Swank legal fight | Tacoma News Tribune
- Charter-53—Explanatory-and-Ballot-Title
- Court rejects attempt to block Pierce County charter amendment that would remove elected sheriff – MyNorthwest.com
- Reject Amendment 53 — Keep Your Right to Elect Your Sheriff
- Sheriff Swank on Social: X, website, YouTube
- For additional information about the proposed Pierce County Charter Amendment 53, including the perspective of those opposing it, visit Reject53.org. (This information is provided for informational purposes. Informed Choice Washington is not affiliated with Vote No on Amendment 53 PAC, and no campaign funds or services were exchanged in connection with this reference).
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