OLYMPIA, Wash. — On their last day of the session, the Washington State legislature passed police “use of force” reform Initiative 940, which is also House Bill 3003.
Governor Jay Inslee has already signed the bill into law. It will take effect in 2019.
The measure will require all law enforcement officers in the state to receive violence de-escalation and mental health training.
It will also amend the standard for justifiable use of deadly force by law enforcement, including adding a “good faith” standard and requiring independent investigation.
[ Read the full initiative here ]
Here is that standard as laid out in the bill.
Homicide or the use of deadly force is justifiable in the following cases:
(a) When a public officer applies deadly force (is acting) in obedience to the judgment of a competent court; or
(b) When necessarily used by a peace officer meeting the good faith standard of this section to overcome actual resistance to the execution of the legal process, mandate, or order of a court or officer, or in the discharge of a legal duty((.)); or
(c) When necessarily used by a peace officer meeting the good faith standard of this section or person acting under the officer's command and in the officer's aid:
(i) To arrest or apprehend a person who the officer reasonably believes has committed, has attempted to commit, is committing, or is attempting to commit a felony;
(ii) To prevent the escape of a person from a federal or state correctional facility or in retaking a person who escapes from such a facility; (or)
(iii) To prevent the escape of a person from a county or city jail or holding facility if the person has been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a felony; or
(iv) To lawfully suppress a riot if the actor or another participant is armed with a deadly weapon.
The bill will also require law enforcement personnel to provide first-aid to save lives and require law enforcement agencies to adopt guidelines for implementing this duty.
Governor Jay Inslee issued a statement after the bill was passed Thursday night:
"Tonight's actions regarding I-940 are incredibly meaningful examples of what happens when people choose to open their mind, to listen and to compromise. De-Escalate Washington overcame the odds and brought this initiative to the legislature, and I want to thank them for bringing a voice that many felt had gone unheard for too long.
"During this legislative session, De-Escalate Washington, many in the law enforcement community, and a bipartisan group of legislators came together to make tremendous progress on an issue that has divided so many communities across our country.
"I met with many from these groups earlier tonight and thanked them for coming together and working hard to finding true compromise. Tonight's passage avoids politicization of an emotional issue, and I hope will bring meaningful change, progress and healing.
"My belief is, and I heard from many tonight, that this should be the beginning of ongoing meaningful dialogue to keep this conversation moving forward toward a safer Washington for all.
"Thank you again to Reps. Goodman, Hayes, Sens. Frockt, Pedersen and all those involved in tonight's passage."