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Are there racial disparities in Pierce County’s criminal justice system? Review underway
Some Pierce County departments are reviewing criminal justice policies in an effort to be more inclusive and address disparity going forward.
The Pierce County Council voted in June to require the Sheriff’s Department, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Medical Examiner and the Economic Development Department to perform a “thorough and thoughtful review” of standards and procedures.
The deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Manuel Ellis in Tacoma while in police custody prompted the county initiative, communications director Libby Catalinich said.
The departments are expected to present findings to the council before September.
At the Sheriff’s Department, reviews are underway, spokesperson Ed Troyer said. The department has been reviewing policies and considering changes outlined in recent Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs’ guidelines:
Reforming the civil service system to provide greater access for more diverse candidates into the law enforcement profession.
Assisting law enforcement and corrections agencies to establish intervention programs to identify troubling patterns and behaviors among law enforcement.
Creating a completely independent statewide deadly force investigative team governed by a board that includes community members.
Facilitating the implementation and use of body cameras.
Changing licensure rules to provide that a law enforcement officer can lose their Peace Officer Certification for excessive use of force, showing a pattern of failing to follow public policy, and other serious breaches of the public’s trust.
Requiring all Washington law enforcement agencies to submit data regarding the use of deadly force.
“I welcome this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ethical service, to seek additional approaches for cooperation and to determine what will be needed to enhance community safety while upholding citizen rights,” Sheriff Paul Pastor said in a statement.
A spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s Office said the reviewing group will likely want to analyze arrest data and criminal justice outcomes, including sentences and diversion programs.
“Recognizing that there is a difference between disproportionality and disparity, the work group will be trying to identify both,” spokesperson Adam Faber said in an email.
Catalinich said she isn’t sure what the scope or the time line is for the Medical Examiner’s Office or the Economic Development Department.
Once the departments present their reviews to council, it is unclear what action will be taken.
The bi-partisan effort began with Council members Connie Ladenburg and Dave Morell.
“The County Council is pleased to see that the Executive and his departments, along with the judicial branch and Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, took seriously its directive to conduct a thorough review of systems and policies and procedures currently in place, as well as professional best practices, and the impact they have on all who call Pierce County home,” council spokesperson Brynn Grimley said in an email.
Council member Pam Roach was the only dissenting member in the seven-body council. She told The News Tribune outside community members and agencies should be reviewing the departments, not the departments themselves.
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