AIRWAY HEIGHTS — The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) is currently working on community outreach to educate the public on the effects of new police legislature that went into effect on July 25. In a previous story, it was implied that the WASPC supported the reforms. While they do support some of the reforms, they have serious concerns about others.
According to a statement from WASPC Executive Direct Steven Strachan on July 21, the reforms heavily rely on transferring services to other providers such as fire/EMS, behavioral health providers, homeless services or social services, among others. They also focus on reducing use of force when it comes to law enforcement interactions.
“On the whole, WASPC anticipates that the policing reforms may have the positive impact of reducing the number of violent interactions between law enforcement and the public,” Strachan wrote in his statement. “However, we owe it to the public we serve to be candid and share that we are deeply concerned that some policing reforms may have unintended outcomes that result in increased levels of confusion, frustration, victimization, and increased crime within our communities.”
The main points of concern come into play with three major bills. House Bill 1310 limits use of force to arrests or to protect against an imminent threat of bodily injury. It also requires an officer to use all available de-escalation tactics and to leave the area if there is no threat of imminent harm and no crime taking place.
House Bill 1054 prohibits the use of chokeholds or neck restraints, prohibits no-knock warrants, restricts the use of tear gas and “military equipment,” limits vehicular pursuits and prohibits an officer from firing a weapon at a moving vehicle.
Senate Bill 5051 allows for stricter background checks when it comes to applications, expands conduct for which peace officer or corrections officer certification may be revoked and opens more information to the public.
The WASPC has presented concerns regarding potential unintended consequences with these bills to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. They also have concerns around relying on other services and providers, which may be underdeveloped or underfunded, according to the press release. They are currently working with legislators on follow-up legislation.
“Without question, we support the sanctity of human life as the enduring priority for policing and seek to continue to monitor and communicate how the new reforms affect public safety across Washington,” Strachan said in his statement. “Our communities deserve the highest level of public safety. We commit to work together in good faith to sustain high quality public safety services and to continuously earn the public’s trust and respect.
Riley Kankelberg can be reached at [email protected].
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