Effective: March 2022
HB 1719 (Amends House Bill 1054: Police Tactics)
HB 1719
This bill reauthorizes less lethal munitions that may be larger than .50 caliber. The Renton Police can now re-deploy less lethal tools, to include foam and bean bag launchers that were previously banned by the legislature in 2021.
Effective: July 25, 2021
HOUSE BILL 1054
Prohibits the Use of a Chokehold or Neck Restraints.
Definitions:
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"Chokehold" means the intentional application of direct pressure to a person's trachea or windpipe for the purpose of restricting another person's airway.
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"Neck Restraint" refers to any vascular neck restraint or similar restraint, hold, or other tactic in which pressure is applied to the neck for the purpose of constricting blood flow.
Renton Police Department considers the use of a respiratory restraint, also known as a chokehold, limited to circumstances where deadly force is authorized. HB 1054 prohibits this tactic.
Prohibits No-Knock Warrants
Renton Police Department does not execute this type of warrant service.
States the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) will develop a statewide model for policy for the training and use of K9 Teams.
Prohibits the use of tear gas except in three circumstances: harm posed by a riot, barricaded subject, or hostage situation. States that prior to deploying tear gas, law enforcement officers must exhaust available and appropriate alternatives; obtain authorization from a supervising officer; announce the intent to use tear gas and allow sufficient time and space for the subject(s) to comply.
Renton Police Department does not utilize tear gas during routine patrol duties, so this will have no impact on our current practices. The Regional Valley SWAT Team and Valley Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU), of which Renton contributes personnel, currently have protocols in-place that require supervisor approval prior to using less-lethal options during their operations. This Bill will require that the Mayor of the involved City give approval for the use of tear gas prior to it being dispatched during a riot.
Prohibits the use or acquisition of military equipment; agencies must return or destroy any military equipment by December 31, 2022.
Renton Police Department does not purchase or maintain military equipment.
Requires uniformed officers be identifiable (for example: a name badge).
This practice is already in-place at Renton Police Department; no changes to current policy.
Prohibits vehicle pursuits unless the officer has probable cause that a crime (violent or sex offense) has been/is being committed; there is a reasonable suspicion of DUI and other stipulations.
A peace officer may not engage in a vehicular pursuit, unless:
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There is probable cause to believe that a person in the vehicle has committed or is committing a violent offense or sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, or an escape under Chapter 9A.76 RCW; or
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There is reasonable suspicion a person in the vehicle has committed or is committing a driving under the influence offense under RCW 46.61.502;
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The pursuit is necessary for the purpose of identifying or apprehending the person;
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The person poses an imminent threat to the safety of others and the safety risks of failing to apprehend or identify the person are considered to be greater than the safety risks of the vehicle pursuit under the circumstances.
Renton Police Department's pursuit policy has always required supervisor approval; some adjustments in our policy will be made to make sure we are in compliance as it relates to this new legislation. This Bill will impact officers' ability to stop and/or detain subjects that have committed certain crimes. This Bill requires the standard of probable cause for a violent crime or sex crime, defined under RCW 9.94A.030, be established before a vehicle pursuit can be initiated. Officers will be authorized to stop a vehicle for suspicion of DUI, or if the officer believes the subject driving poses an imminent threat to the community. (Imminent threat is defined as the person having the opportunity, the means, and the intent to commit a crime.) In certain circumstances, officers will be required by law to permit a subject to flee in a vehicle from a crime scene if probable cause is not immediately established.
Prohibits a law enforcement officer from firing a weapon at a moving vehicle.
This practice is already in-place at Renton Police Department; no changes to current policy. An exception to this would be if the officer has a moving vehicle headed directly towards them and they have no way to escape being hit, then that officer has the authority to shoot at the vehicle.