Hawley, Budrow tapped for law enforcement working group

The Central Washington Law Enforcement Working Group (CWLEWG) is designed to build upon local and community level efforts to improve policing and discuss pending federal legislation, a media release from Newhouse’s office said. Hawley and Budrow are serving on the Working Group with:

Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenburg

Union Gap Police Chief Greg Cobb

Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr

Othello Police Chief Phil Schenke

Yakima Police Chief Matt Murray

Yakima Police Captain Shawn Boyle

Sunnyside Police Chief Al Escalera

Pasco Police Chief Ken Roske

During their first meeting the law enforcement officers discussed steps their departments are taking to increase community involvement in policing, outreach to minority communities, and crime prevention activities with children, students, and families, the media release said.

“They also discussed the recent increase in crime, such as domestic violence, burglary, and driving under the influence, resulting from the stay-at-home order,” the release said.

In an email to The Quad last Friday, June 19, Hawley wrote that he welcomed the invitation to contribute to the CWLEWG and found the first meeting to be “very informative.”

“I greatly appreciate being provided the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed changes and assist in providing Congressman Newhouse with feedback about how changes could impact our ability to provide for public safety,” wrote Hawley. “This working group will provide an opportunity for law enforcement at the local level to provide a perspective to Congressman Newhouse through direct conversation.”

Following the CWLRWG inaugural meeting Rep. Newhouse said:

“Restoring peace and delivering justice for all are ideals inherent in our nation’s founding that I fully support, and it starts by engaging with our local communities.”

Rep. Newhouse said he formed the group in response to recent national events.

“I am hopeful this Working Group will open a line of thoughtful, respectful dialogue as Congress considers legislation that will affect the way our officers work to enforce the rule of law,” said Newhouse. “I am grateful for the work of our police officers and sheriffs as they respond to the increase in crimes we have seen as a result of our response to COVID-19, and I applaud their defense of Central Washington’s First Amendment rights as witnessed at peaceful protests throughout our communities.”

Over the last few years the state legislature modified regulations relating to police use of force including Initiative 940, passed in 2018, that lowered the barriers for prosecuting officers who use deadly force and mandatef additional de-escalation, mental health and first aid training. In 2019 the state House of Representatives passed HB 1064 to further clarify and strengthen I-940.