Industry Associations
Dedicated to supporting retail interests, sharing resources, and collaborating on strategies to combat organized retail crime
Business organizations and retail partners play a vital role in combating organized retail crime and enhancing public safety.
While many local, state-wide and national groups contribute to prevention and advocacy, three key organizations are particularly active in King County: the Washington Retail Association (WR), the Washington Organized Retail Crime Association (WAORCA), and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (through their Vibrant Communities Initiative). These organizations lead efforts through advocacy, investigations, enforcement, training, education and resources to tackle organized retail crime effectively.
Retail Industry Leaders Association: Vibrant Communities Initiative
Launched in January 2024, the Vibrant Communities Initiative is an innovative pilot program that unites 22 large retailers, 10 law enforcement agencies, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Seattle City Attorney’s Office. This initiative leverages new technology to enhance collaboration among retailers, police departments, and prosecutors to tackle high-impact offenders. Pilot members meet weekly to discuss ongoing investigations and trends, sharing crucial information with law enforcement. All participants have access to the Auror platform for seamless information exchange.
Key Roles: Investigations and enforcement
Members: Limited to select retailers and law enforcement in King County
Website: rila.org
Washington Retail Association
The Washington Retail Association (WR) is the leading advocacy organization representing retailers throughout Washington, from major national chains to small independent businesses. WR employs a comprehensive strategy to combat organized retail crime (ORC), focusing on coordination, advocacy, and providing valuable resources to businesses across the state.
WR has worked closely with the Attorney General’s office to support the June 2022 launch of the AG led Task Force and helped secure $2.65 million in funding for the AG’s ORC Unit. As co-founder of WAORCA, WR has served as Chair of Policy and Government Affairs for the WARCA Board of Directors for the past 10 years.
Members: Open to all retailers in Washington
Website: washingtonretail.org
Washington Organized Retail Crime Association
The Washington Organized Retail Crime Association (WAORCA) is a volunteer organization that connects law enforcement and loss prevention professionals to combat organized retail crime (ORC) and other business-related crimes. In King County, WAORCA hosts regular meetings for retailers to share information with law enforcement and prosecutors on investigations and crime trends. They also provide training for retailers, and members have access to the Auror platform for information sharing.
In 2024, WAORCA received $1 million in state funding to launch three pilot programs aimed at addressing ORC in Eastern Washington and other key areas.
Members: Retailers and law enforcement statewide
Website: waorca.org
