Governor signs police pursuits bill into law, law takes effect immediately

Last week, Governor Inslee signed SB 5352 into law, revising the restrictions on police pursuits. The new law took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature.

Law enforcement officers are now authorized to engage in a vehicular pursuit if all the following conditions are met:

• The officer has ‘reasonable suspicion’ that the driver or a passenger:
  • Has committed or is committing a violent offense, sex offense, or an escape; or
  • Is driving under the influence.
• The pursuit is necessary to identify or apprehend the person.
• The person poses an imminent threat to the safety of others.
• The safety risks of failing to apprehend or identify the person are considered greater than the safety risks associated with engaging in a pursuit.

The bill also requires the officer to receive authorization and oversight from a supervisor (or on-call supervisor in jurisdictions with fewer than fifteen commissioned officers) to engage in a vehicular pursuit. Officers must take emergency vehicle operator training and must be certified in at least one pursuit intervention option.

Cities should review the new law with their legal advisors and evaluate the need to revise policies and procedures necessary to implement these changes.