Federal Way Police Department investigating officer’s controversial TikTok video

The police officer was not placed on administrative leave, spokesperson says.

By Olivia Sullivan • July 8, 2022 12:00 pm

The Federal Way Police Department is investigating for policy violations after an officer posted a controversial video on TikTok.

In the video, obtained by KIRO 7, Federal Way Officer Breanna Straus is seen sitting inside a vehicle while in uniform. Straus urges people to move out of the way when officers are driving behind them.

“If we’re driving on the freeway in our police car, get the f—- out of the way,” she says in the TikTok video. “I can go 90 miles an hour, you can’t. You can’t do that. So get the f—- out of the way. If us officers stay behind you long enough, we can find a reason to pull you over.”

A social media post from the Federal Way Police Department shows Straus was sworn into the force on Aug. 9, 2021.

The Federal Way Police Department did not respond to multiple requests for comment. On July 8, Cmdr. Kurt Schwan provided the following statement to the Mirror on behalf of the department:

“The Federal Way Police Department stresses professionalism in every aspect of our mission and does not tolerate actions by any employee, on or off duty, that would tarnish the reputation of the agency. We value the trust that our community has in the Federal Way Police Department and we strive each day to earn and maintain the public’s trust.

We have viewed the social media video posted by our officer and can assure you that it does not represent the core values and practices of our police department. The Federal Way Police have a reputation of being respectful, courteous, and professional and are focused on serving the community at the highest level.

This matter is currently being investigated administratively for policy violations and appropriate personnel actions will be taken. Working for FWPD, in any capacity, is an honor and privilege and we are held by the public, our industry, and ourselves to the highest standards of behavior and trust.”

In a brief follow-up email after the statement, Schwan said Officer Straus has not been placed on administrative leave.