The state House of Representatives passed a controversial measure Saturday evening, 54-43, that enacts new restrictions on law enforcement activities and the equipment they use.
House Bill 1054 would prohibit police officers from using chokeholds and neck restraints, acquiring or using tear gas and certain types of military equipment, and requires policies to ensure officers are reasonably identifiable. In addition, it would prohibit a peace officer from seeking, and a court from issuing, a search or arrest warrant granting an express exception to the “knock and announce” rule.
Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, is the ranking Republican on the House Public Safety Committee. She issued this statement following the bill’s passage:
“My heart breaks for those who lost someone due to police violence. We worry about our communities and law enforcement equally. We need a balance to reach the same goals of keeping our families safe and allowing law enforcement to do their jobs to keep our communities safe.
“Being a law enforcement officer is one of the toughest and most dangerous jobs. Every time they leave their homes for work, they put their lives on the line. They are expected to make split-second decisions between life or death, and everything they do has enormous consequences. We must make sure officers have the necessary training and tools to de-escalate situations and avoid the necessity to use deadly force. Our officers are already held to a very high standard. We should not make that standard an impossible one.
“Bad police officers involved in violence must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law for everything they do that does not meet the high standards expected of a law enforcement officer. However, we also need to make sure those who run toward danger have the tools necessary to protect us and also keep them as safe as possible.
“We need to continue to focus on real solutions that bridge the gap of fragile relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Let’s also remember, if we aren’t safe in our communities, nothing else really matters. Law enforcement officers are there to keep us all safe.”
The measure now goes to the Senate for further consideration.