February 3, 2021 8:50 am
KGMI
OLYMPIA, Wash. A bill in front of the state Legislature would expand the use of vascular neck restraints by law enforcement officers.
Sakara Remmu of the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance told the Senate Law and Justice Committee that the bill would likely expand the use of excessive force by law officers in the state.
Numerous law enforcement officials testified that vascular neck restraints have been used safely for decades and are much safer than other forms of restraining suspects who are fighting with law officers.
The committee heard testimony but took no action on the bill, which calls for developing a statewide written policy for training in the use of vascular neck restraints by June of next year.
State Senate takes testimony on more use of neck restraints Follow Us
Question of the Day By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS - Associated Press - Tuesday, February 2, 2021
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - A bill in the state Legislature that could expand the use of vascular neck restraints by law enforcement officers was sharply criticized Tuesday by a Black Lives Matter activist.
Sakara Remmu of the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance told the Senate Law and Justice Committee that the bill would likely expand the use of excessive force by law officers in the state.
“We need to curb excessive force,” Remmu said. “Neck restraints are choke holds … people have not called for better training on the use of choke holds.”
By Ryan Shepard
Jan 29, 2021
Social justice advocates around the state of Washington are gearing up to make changes that extend far beyond the scope of local police departments. Formed in part by Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County, the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance is pushing for reform that extends into education, workspaces and healthcare. Organizers state that moving their efforts outside the scope of police reform is necessary because institutional racism extends far beyond a badge and a gun.
“It’s a broad push, recognizing that racism is in every facet of our lives,”
Marlon Brown of the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance told the Seattle Times.
New WA Black Lives Matter Alliance agenda aims for liberation
A statewide coalition is calling on lawmakers to address racism as a public health crisis in Washington state.
Members of the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance say their legislative agenda is the next pressing step after this summerâs protests for racial justice.
The new alliance is a non-partisan coalition linked to Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County, but with steering committee members in the Tri-Cities area, Ellensburg, and Spokane as well.
It calls for celebrating Black culture, promoting economic freedom, and prioritizing the physical and mental health and safety of Black people. Also, honoring treaties âbecause Indigenous sovereignty and Black liberation are intertwined.â