Memo of support for Washington House Bill 1445, which would provide critical tools to remedy—and prevent—violations of Washingtonians’ statutory and constitutional rights by clarifying and strengthening the Washington Attorney General’s (“AG”) authority to investigate and correct pervasive patterns and practices of misconduct within state law enforcement agencies.
Massive rollback of the vehicular pursuits bill passed in 2021.
Transfers authority over police and jail officer decertification, changes procedures and standards for decertification and appeal.
Requires sheriffs, police chiefs, marshals, reserve officers (uncertified officers), and volunteers to pass a background check as a condition of employment.
A law enforcement officer shall use only an appropriately marked law enforcement vehicle to make a traffic stop in a non-emergency situation.
This act establishes within the Department of Corrections the "Office of State Ombudsman for Inmates in the Custody of the Department of Corrections" for the purpose of helping to ensure the adequacy of care received by inmates and to improve the quality of life experienced by them. The Office shall establish and implement procedures for receiving, processing, responding to, and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of inmates in the custody of the Department as well as establish procedures for the resolution of complaints.
Statements made after a police officer intentionally engaged in deception would be presumed inadmissible unless the prosecution shows clear and convincing evidence that the statement was voluntary.
Repeals the law enforcement officers' bill of rights, chapter 42-28.6 of the general laws, in its entirety.
Deleting provisions relating to complaint review boards; authorizing law enforcement officers and correctional officers to pursue appropriate administrative relief or file a civil action if the officer is disciplined for certain violations; deleting the requirement that certain violations by agencies or investigators be intentional; deleting the requirement for an agency head to initiate an investigation against an investigator, etc.
Establishes uniform guidelines and training on police interrogations for juveniles and adults, including when an officer can use false statements.