As part of officers’ duties to uphold public safety, Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) Chief Ed Holmes said the department is perpetually focused on de-escalating situations and steering people toward the services they need.

In a letter posted on the city’s website to the community on Aug. 11, Holmes addressed the 2021 Police Reform Legislation, including use of force, tactics and drug laws.

Washington’s HB1310 (use of force) and HB1054 (tactics) went into effect on July 25 and communities may see some changes as to how police handle calls for assistance.

Regarding use of force with the new law, Holmes noted that officers may only use physical force when they have probable cause to make an arrest, to prevent escape, or to protect against an imminent threat of bodily harm. Since suspects may now be able to leave the scene of a crime with officers unable to stop them, there could be delays in identifying and apprehending suspects.

On the tactics front, the new law prohibits officers from using chokeholds and neck restraints, bans the acquisition or use of military equipment, and greatly restricts when officers can engage in vehicle pursuits. Holmes said that MIPD already considered neck restraints to be deadly force, however they are now banned in all situations.

“While some of these new laws align with the way the Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) already operates, others will change how we do our jobs. Additionally, there is uncertainty in how some of these laws should be applied,” Holmes said.

Under a new drugs-possession law, Holmes said police officers can now refer someone caught with drugs to a drug-help resource two times before an arrest can be made, and the third and subsequent violations are now misdemeanors.

“I strongly support policing reforms that build equity and strengthen public trust. I am optimistic that over the course of the next year, we can collaboratively refine and clarify how we implement changes to our policing laws,” Holmes said.

The entire letter can be found at: https://www.mercerisland.gov/police/page/letter-community-police-chief-ed-holmes-2021-police-reform-legislation