Accomplishments
WCPA was instrumental in the enactment of landmark policing bills at the Washington state legislature in 2021. Each of these bills involve significant implementation work by WCPA members, including participating in workgroups, model policy development, advisory boards, and commission appointments.
HB 1054
Establishing requirements for tactics and equipment used by peace officers
banned chokeholds and no knock warrants
prohibited military equipment
adopted model policies on canine use
restricted vehicular pursuits to violent offenses, sex offenses, and DUIs.
HB 1267
Concerning investigation of potential criminal conduct arising from police use of force, including custodial injuries, and other officer-involved incidents
established a state-wide office of independent investigation to provide an impartial investigation of officer-involved shootings
HB 1310
Concerning permissible uses of force by law enforcement and correctional officers
addressed the day-to-day use of force by police officers by setting state-wide standards on when physical force can be used
established a requirement to de-escalate if possible and to use less lethal alternatives before using deadly force where appropriate
established a strong framework for officer certification to address suitability to serve as a peace officer
modernized the composition of the Criminal Justice Training Commission to include additional subject matter expertise, including community representation