OLYMPIA, Wash. — Editor's note: The above video previously aired on KING 5 in April 2021.
The Washington Legislature has approved a measure requiring police to intervene if they see a fellow officer using, or attempting to use, excessive force.
The bill, which was prompted by the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd and ensuing Black Lives Matter protests last year, now heads to Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.
Under the bill, officers would have to intervene to stop excessive force if they see it being used, or attempted to be used, by another officer and they’re in a position to do so.
It would also require police to report wrongdoing by another officer to that officer’s supervisor, including criminal acts or violations of professional standards, and it would forbid retaliation against police who intervene or report wrongdoing.