Mental illness, intoxication primary reasons for police use of force

New HB 1310 legislation requires law enforcement officers to reconsider their approach towards public safety, particularly in the use of force. Data from the Olympia Police Auditor's Mid-Year Report shows that most use-of-force complaints involve individuals struggling with mental illness or intoxication.

During the regular Olympia City Council meeting last Tue., Aug. 24, Police Auditor Tara Parker provided insights on police complaints from January to June 2021, the most recent period for which data is available and prior to HB1310 taking effect. In her presentation, Parker shared that 21 out of the 23 use of force complaints involve individuals who appeared to be mentally ill or intoxicated.

In addition, these use-of-force incidents were broken down into the following; 17 takedowns, 6 incidents involving the use of tasers, and one incident in which rubber or plastic bullets were used.

For the demographics, 21 of these incidents involve whites, mostly male individuals, while 2 other incidents include people of color.

Overall, the police auditor shared that during the same six-month period police received a total of 24,179 calls which had resulted in 1,032 arrests. Parker noted that the complaints on the use of force have decreased by 28 percent as compared to 2019.

Aside from complaints about the use of force, Parker said that they have received both minor and serious complaints against police misconduct. She reported that the department received five service level complaints which vary from poor work performance, rudeness, and other minor policy violations.

In terms of addressing these reports, one of the officers involved in the service level complaint was recommended for counseling, while another officer was given an oral warning.

On the other hand, she also confirmed that they have received two serious allegations against police officers coming from the police department itself. Generally, these serious allegations usually involve excessive use of force, or civil rights violations, according to Parker. Parker confirmed that one of the officers in question had been terminated by the Olympia Police Department.

Some of the police auditor’s recommendations to improve public safety includes conducting diversity and equity training for police officers. During the discussion, Councilmember Dani Madrone asked whether the training may include identifying hate groups in the community.

In addition, Parker noted that since most use-of-force complaints were related to substance abuse, she believed that it is necessary for the police department to focus their efforts on improving their officers’ responses in handling these individuals. “When I review the records on those incidents, they are quite extensive in their de-escalation efforts, but because of the challenges that the subjects are dealing with, de-escalation is very hampered,” the police auditor stated.

Interim Police Chief Aaron Jelcick also shared that they have considered Parker’s recommendations and had included some of her suggestions in the 2022 budget proposal.

In 2020, the Olympia City Council opened a position for a police auditor to help in the review of the Olympia Police Department’s internal investigations and complaint processes as a way to “increase public trust and confidence.” See related story. With this, Parker assured the city council that, “the department’s internal multi-review process has been very thorough, it’s been within policy, and in accordance with best practices.”