Community Review Requested on Police Use of Force Policy
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY March 30, 2021
CONTACT Jill Smith Communications & Marketing Manager jesmith@redmond.gov 425-556-2448
Redmond, WA – A draft update of the Redmond Police Department’s Use of Force Policy is available online for the community to review and provide comment through April 16, 2021.
Last summer, Mayor Birney and the Redmond Police Department (RPD) joined other cities across the nation in accepting the Obama Foundation Mayor’s Reimagining Police Pledge, committing to: (1) review the police use of force policies, (2) engage with the community, (3) report the findings of the review, and (4) reform the policies.
“Redmond is committed to equity and public safety for all,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “I would like to thank Chief Lowe, Redmond Police Department staff, and members of the community who are working together towards a solution that ensures equal justice for everyone.”
RPD has reviewed policies internally and with several stakeholders and community groups, including Police Chief Lowe’s Advisory Council, the Community Equity Action Team, Centro Cultural Mexicano, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee (RYPAC), Right to Breathe, and the 8 Can’t Wait Campaign. In addition, RPD retained LexiPol, a private company that provides policy manuals, training bulletins, and consulting services to law enforcement agencies.
Modifications have been made to follow best practices and ensure compliance with all state and federal laws. Redmond Police no longer authorize the use of Lateral Vascular Neck Restraints or “chokeholds.”
“The Constitution and laws obligate us to be impartial, objective, transparent, and ethical, while holding the sanctity of life in the highest regard,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe. “We must ensure that our actions are consistent with these foundational documents, which along with our local policies, serve as a reminder of the oath we took to protect and serve.”
###
|