WSLC urges ‘yes’ vote on Initiative 940 to save lives

(Oct. 29, 2018) — In this fall’s election, voters are deciding on Initiative 940, which is intended to save lives by providing all law enforcement officers in Washington with enhanced de-escalation, first aid, and mental health crisis training, while also implementing a new test to determine whether law enforcement officers’ use of deadly force is justifiable. Sponsored by a coalition of civil rights groups known as De-Escalate Washington, I-940 is endorsed by the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

“No matter our differences, all of us want to ensure our families, communities, and law enforcement are safe,” writes De-Escalate Washington:

“But last year, more people were killed in encounters with law enforcement than in 45 other states, and almost a third of those killed were experiencing a mental health crisis. No officer wants to find themselves in this situation, but right now officers in Washington aren’t provided with enough training to help them de-escalate a potentially deadly encounter. Initiative 940 will help save lives by providing all law enforcement officers in Washington with enhanced de-escalation, first aid, and mental health crisis training, so officers are better prepared to handle challenging situations. We can make Washington safer for families, communities, and law enforcement.”

I-940 was approved by the Washington State Legislature earlier this year but also amended, with the support of De-Escalate Washington and police groups. However, a court ruled that the Legislature could not amend the measure, so I-940 now appears on voters’ ballots in its original form, as it was endorsed by the WSLC. I-940 is also endorsed by a long list of labor, tribal, civic and community organizations, and prominent elected officials.

Learn more about I-940, including how to support the campaign, at www.deescalatewa.org.

Short URL: https://www.thestand.org/?p=70914

Posted by David Groves on Oct 29 2018. Filed under ELECTION. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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