HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2021-035 A Resolution of the City Council of the City Of Arlington, Washington, Requesting the Washington Legislature to Provide Clarification of Legislative Intent in Law Enforcement Related RESOLUTION NO. 2021—035
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON, WASHINGTON,
REQUESTING THE WASHINGTON LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE CLARIFICATION OF
LEGISLATIVE INTENT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATED BILLS
WHEREAS, law enforcement is an essential public safety service provided by local
governments; and
WHEREAS, appropriate use of force is a critical component of officers being
able to do their job,to prevent and solve crimes, and to maintain public order; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement officers face dangerous and sometimes life
threatening situations as part of their job duties and cannot predict when such a situation
will arise; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature passed a number of bills this past
legislative session regarding standards for law enforcement officers; and
WHEREAS, a number of law enforcement agencies have interpreted some words
and phrases in these bills in a manner that appears contrary to the legislative intent;
and
WHEREAS, this has produced uncertainty in law enforcement response and
ability to act, and this decreases public safety; and
WHEREAS, this decrease in public safety is likely to persist unless the legislature
takes action to clarify its intent;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arlington,
that the Legislature work with cities and counties, and their respective law
enforcement agencies to ensure that law enforcement officers have sufficient
authority to maintain public order and investigate crimes in a reasonable manner.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arlington that the
City Council supports its police officers and police department, and the professional
manner in which they carry out their duties.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-035 1
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Arlington, at its regular meeting held
this 18th day of October,2021.
CITY OF ARLINGTON
Barbara Tolbert, Mayor J Schuette, Mayor Pro Tern
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Don Vanney, Council Member &7ichele Blythe, Cou cil Member
Debora Nelson, u tcil Member rilyn Oertle, ouncil Member
Mike Hopson, Council Member ^eatheran, Council 9ember
ATTEST:
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Wendy Van Der Meersche, City Clerk
APPROV D AS TO FORM:
Ste J. fle, City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-035 2