In another step to clarify language passed during the 2021 legislative session, the Senate is looking to adjust language related to police pursuits and physical force.
SB 5919, sponsored by Sens. Kevin Van De Wege (D–Sequim) and Mark Mullet (D–Issaquah),
expands the ability of officers to conduct a vehicular pursuit if there is reasonable suspicion that a person in the vehicle has committed a violent or sexual offense. Previous language required that officers have probable cause to conduct a pursuit.
The bill also provides greater latitude for police leaders to provide authorization for an officer to continue in the pursuit.
Additionally, the bill sets definitions for the words “necessary,” “physical force,” and “totality of circumstance.” These definitions come at the request of law enforcement after the passage of police reform bills
in the last session.
Finally, the bill also expands when an officer may effect an arrest, including:
- To prevent a person from fleeing a lawful detention;
- To carry out any warrant or other court order authorizing an office to take a person into custody; and
- To ensure the safety of the officer or others when encountering a person reasonable suspected of possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons.
Dates to remember
SB 5919 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 1. It is scheduled for executive action in the same committee on Thursday, February 3 at 10:30 am.