Law enforcement backs bill that would revise police reform laws passed last year - NCWLIFE News

The Moses Lake Police Department is among law enforcement agencies in the state supporting a bipartisan bill in the state Senate that would undo key portions of police reform legislation passed by the Legislature last year.

Senate Bill 5919 would again allow police officers to pursue vehicles when there is a reasonable suspicion a crime has occurred as well as loosen the standard for taking a suspect into custody and permit physical force when making arrests under certain circumstances.

Currently, police must witness a suspect leaving the scene of a crime or believe the suspect presents an immediate threat to public safety in order to initiate a vehicle pursuit.

A Law and Justice Committee hearing on the bill is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in Olympia.

Senate Bill 5919 was co-sponsored by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

“If this Bill is successful, our officers will be able to go back to policing as it was prior to last year’s legislation, while at the same time making sure that officers are responsible and accountable for their actions,” the Moses Lake Police Department said.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs also supports the bill.

“We believe this is a good bill that will work for the benefit of our county and other communities around our state; but we encourage everyone, whatever their view, to participate in the process of shaping our laws by contacting your legislators and making your thoughts known,” said Kittitas County Sheriff Clay Myers.

source: https://www.ncwlife.com/law-enforcement-backs-bill-that-would-revise-police-reform-laws-passed-last-year/

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