2022: Use of Force

AB 834 / SB 874 would prohibit local police agencies and elected officials from making any local democratic decisions that would limit the inherently dangerous tactic of executing a warrant without knocking and announcing first (also known as a no-knock warrant).

WA HB 1726 and HB 2037 would roll back last year’s restrictions and protections addressing the use of force by peace officers, which the state passed to reduce police violence. This bill would expand instances in which officers can use physical force, including in situations where it would not be constitutional, such as the right to use physical force when stopping an individual from fleeing an investigative stop.

HF 3398 will place crucial restrictions on the use of no-knock warrants, a dangerous policing tactic with a high risk of injury and emotional trauma for the occupants of the home, as well as the involved officers. HF 3398 will minimize or eliminate many of the harms caused by no-knock raids by prohibiting raids for drug searches and creating a clear and convincing standard of proof to issue warrants, ensuring judges closely review each individual case before granting permission.