Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said it has been a frustrating two years for law enforcement. He is eager to allow police pursuits after criminals again as long as it is deemed safe.
“That discretion needs to lie with the deputy who we have hired to make that decision,” said Sanders.
He blamed an increase in crime, especially property crimes like car theft, on restrictions placed on law enforcement by state lawmakers in 2021.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders expressed frustration over the past two years for law enforcement, eagerly anticipating the reinstatement of pursuits by his deputies, provided they are deemed safe.
Sanders emphasized the importance of granting discretion to deputies in making pursuit decisions, stating, “That discretion needs to lie with the deputy who we have hired to make that decision.”
He attributed the rise in crime, particularly property crimes like car theft, to restrictions imposed on law enforcement by state lawmakers in 2021.
“We have created and fostered a mentality in this state that almost included fleeing from the police as part of the crime itself,” Sanders remarked.
In response, Initiative 2113 was introduced, permitting police pursuits whenever any law has been violated, subject to a supervisor’s determination of safety for the officer involved. The law is set to take effect in early June.
KING 5 News reached out to several sheriff’s offices and police departments regarding potential policy changes resulting from the passage of the initiative.
Officials from Grays Harbor and Mason counties, as well as Centralia’s police chief, intend to resume pursuits of suspects involved in property crimes come June.
In Kitsap County, pursuit decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, adhering to state guidelines and internal policies.
However, Bellevue police will maintain their current policies, according to a spokesperson.
Spokespersons for King and Pierce counties’ sheriffs stated that their agencies are reviewing police pursuit policies.
Leslie Cushman from the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, who advocated for the pursuit restrictions in 2021, expressed concern over potential repercussions.
“We expect to see more injuries, more deaths, more collateral damage,” Cushman said, urging the legislature to fund a study on the impact of police pursuits.
Cushman also hopes that law enforcement agencies will consider implementing further restrictions in the future, stressing the importance of accountability and leadership within each agency.