The Washington Legislature has ended it's 105-day session with some reforms of the police pursuit law. Proponents describe passage of the police pursuit bill this session as a step in the right direction but concede more reform is needed to reduce record-levels of crime.
SB 5352 was passed by the Washington State Legislature April 17th and Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to sign it into law.
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The Center Square reports SB 5352 makes changes to 2021 legislation enacted under HB 1054 that raised the threshold to trigger a police vehicular pursuit from "reasonable suspicion" to "probable cause" that a suspect had committed a crime for certain crimes.
Lawmakers were asked by law enforcement to consider the changes after a dramatic surge in the number of people fleeing from traffic stops or suspected of crimes.
Under SB 5352, officers with "reasonable suspicion" that a suspect in a vehicle has committed selected crimes may initiate a pursuit. The list includes a domestic violence assault, vehicular assault, DUI or a sex offense. There are other parameters the officer must consider including the public risk of allowing the suspect to flee and other procedures related to a pursuit.
Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Executive Director Steven D. Strachan issues a statement on the bill "There were necessary adjustments to laws related to the pursuit of suspects. SB 5352 addressed many law enforcement and community concerns and we are...
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