Olympia revises police auditor's powers; sparks discussion on "use of force"

Olympia’s police auditor will now have more power to look over police-related complaints and allegations of abuse.

Olympia City Council passed an ordinance amending its Municipal Code Chapter 2.38 during its meeting yesterday that increases the city’s police auditor’s scope of responsibilities.

According to the ordinance, the police auditor will now review all incidents involving police’s use of force, instead of only those involving complaints filed against officers.

The auditor will now also be able to look into Olympia police’s handling of public demonstrations and crowd control in cases when violence arises during gatherings.

Also included in the police auditor’s duties will be recommending changes in police policies, training related to complaints, and internal investigation procedures.

Clarifying "use of force"

However, the council acknowledged that the term, “use of force,” still needs to be defined, with Councilmember Dani Madrone raising the issue.

Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan reported talking to present Police Auditor Tara Parker recommending setting parameters on defining use of force.

“The definition of “use of force” is in bills that are currently in the legislature,” clarified City Attorney Mark Barber, “and is anticipated that at least one of them will be on vote.”

“Now the police auditor is responsible for an ongoing equity audit of our police force," pointed out councilmember Jim Cooper, “at least when the use of force happens."

The Washington State Senate recently discussed Substitute House Bill 1735 last Mon., Feb 7, which would modify the standard for use of force by peace officers.