Thursday, March 28, 2024

County sheriffs collectively reaffirm oath of office

Law enforcement changes coming

Posted

OKANOGAN – Sheriff Tony Hawley and Douglas County Sheriff Kevin Morris were among 37 county sheriffs statewide belonging to the Washington State Sheriffs’ Association (WSSA) who gathered at Ellensburg on July 15 to sign a letter reaffirming their sworn oaths to support, obey, and defend the U.S. and state constitutions. Read the letter on qcherald.com with this story.
The unprecedented action comes in the wake of a dozen bills passed by the state Legislature earlier this year and signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on May 18. A 13th law enforcement bill was signed by the governor on April 7. The law enforcement mandates represent the most sweeping set of accountability measures in the state’s history and are described as “nation-leading” in a statement released by senate democrats. The news release summarized the bills signed by the governor that include:
    •    SB 5051 provides timely and effective enforcement of state standards for law enforcement officers, allowing the Criminal Justice Training Commission to discipline officers unfit to carry a badge and gun. It also expands the commission so that a majority of members are from the community and not employed by any law enforcement agency. It takes effect July 25.
    •    SB 5066 establishes clear standards for police officers to intervene when fellow officers use force unjustly and to report any wrongdoing by fellow officers. It takes effect July 25.
    •    SB 5263 gives families that have had a loved one killed by police a better chance to have their day in court. It takes effect July 25.
    •    SB 5353 creates a partnership model that facilitates community engagement with law enforcement. It takes effect July 25.
    •    HB 1054 bans the use of chokeholds, neck restraints, no-knock warrants, certain military equipment, and the intentional concealment of badges. It also substantially restricts the use of tear gas and high-speed chases. It takes effect July 25.
    •    HB 1088 sheds light on officers who are not credible witnesses because of their previous conduct. It takes effect July 25.
    •    HB 1089 brings transparency to investigations into police use of deadly force. It takes effect July 25.
    •    HB 1267 creates a new office to conduct independent investigations of deadly uses of force, custodial deaths, and other officer-involved incidents. It takes effect July 25.
    •    HB 1310 establishes a civil standard for peace officer use of force. It takes effect July 25.
    •    HB 1223 requires law enforcement to record interrogations at detention centers if the interrogation is of a juvenile or an adult suspected of a felony. Part of the bill takes effect on July 25, the remainder on Jan. 1, 2022.
    •    HB 1140 requires juveniles have access to attorneys before waiving their constitutional rights when they have been contacted by law enforcement. It takes effect on Jan.1, 2022.
    •    SB 5259 establishes comprehensive statewide reporting and publication for use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement. It has several effective dates.
SB 5055, signed into law on April 7, improves transparency, professionalism, and equity of arbitration for law enforcement collective bargaining.
Sheriff Hawley attended the regular meeting of the Pateros City Council on July 19 to advise the city, that contracts with Okanogan County for its law enforcement protection, some of the changes the city can expect once the new legislation becomes effective.

 

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