SPOKANE, Wash — Instead of sending officers in riot gear to manage demonstrations, Spokane Police Department has deployed its Dialogue Team to ensure protests remain safe and peaceful.
The team has become a regular presence at demonstrations across the city, including weekly ICE out protests. The Dialogue Team members wear blue shirts instead of full police uniforms as they focus on crowd control and ensuring protesters can exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully.
The team has responded to more than 50 protests in 2025, and the department expects even higher demand in 2026.
“Overwhelmingly, it’s been great. We’ve gotten to know so many organizers and regular attendees at these demonstrations. It’s kind of like a big hangout. We get to come hang out with the community and engage in meaningful conversations,” said Nate Clark, a member of the Dialogue Team.
The department maintains contact with about a dozen different organizations that help organize protests in the city. Officials say this communication has helped build trust with demonstrators.
“I’ve always been treated equitably by police. I can’t say I didn’t have times when I was younger and I spent a little time in jail,” said Greg Houff, who attended a recent ICE out protest.
The eight-member team was established in April and has received positive feedback from the community.
“We want to continue to build our community rapport. We want to have them know that we’re there as a police presence, but we’re there to help guide them and be there for them for their event,” Clark said.
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