Following the sentencing of former Officer Jeffrey Nelson to 16 years and eight months in jail, members of the group have raised issues in regards to the tradition of the Auburn Police Division. This was the primary cost and conviction of a police officer after the passage of Initiative 940, and with which have come vital reforms and coverage adjustments in Washington regulation enforcement.
A lot has been written — right here in The Seattle Instances opinion pages and on-line — in regards to the stain this leaves on the division and town of Auburn. Many have questioned what this trial and aftermath means for the brass and management — what may be completed, realistically, to restore public belief and confidence following a tragic lack of life. And the place do you begin?
Let’s be clear: The loss of life of Jesse Sarey was a tragedy, and we acknowledge the heartache and loss felt by his household and the broader Auburn group. Phrases can not erase that ache and our ideas stay with those that proceed to grieve.
As an elected official voted in to guide a complete metropolis, and as a police chief tasked with steering the ship of a police division with over 100 commissioned officers, we understand each choice has weight.
Since 2012, each use of lethal pressure in Auburn has been reviewed and investigated by the Valley Impartial Investigation Crew, nicely earlier than the Legislature created the Workplace of Impartial Investigation. And for good purpose — as a result of a accountability as necessary as group policing requires ongoing impartial evaluate of incidents involving lethal pressure.
However as we mirror on this second, it’s necessary to emphasise: The Auburn Police Division is deeply dedicated to upholding the very best requirements of integrity, accountability and repair to our residents.
We is not going to let the actions of 1 former officer outline all the division, nor can we ignore the chance this has created for significant progress and reflection. When an officer is sentenced following a jury’s conviction, we respect that call. And but, we nonetheless help the entire particular person — their family and friends, lots of whom nonetheless work on the division — and typically which means being bodily current for them in courtroom.
We take the accountability for policing severely, and we acknowledge public belief is paramount. Since 2019, we’ve carried out new reforms, together with enhanced use-of-force insurance policies, expanded de-escalation coaching, and we’ve elevated oversight of officer conduct, in step with the Legal professional Normal’s Mannequin Insurance policies. These measures are in place to assist forestall the very sort of pressure that led to Sarey’s loss of life, whereas guaranteeing our officers have the instruments essential to successfully police the group.
A current Seattle Instances op-ed made a poignant argument about tradition — and we agree. A tradition defines a corporation, and it tends to outweigh coverage at nearly each flip. Which is why we’ve got continued to foster a tradition the place officers are held accountable for unlawful actions, and the place issues may be addressed transparently.
And let’s discuss tradition for a second. In 2019, we shaped the Police Advisory Committee, which helps information coverage, informs recruitment methods and gives normal recommendation. Every member represents an necessary and assorted voice inside our group.
For years, we’ve got labored aggressively to rent a various police pressure that’s extra reflective of the group. Since 2019, we’ve got welcomed 84 new officers of our present 110 from a wide range of backgrounds and walks of life. After their important coaching on all upgraded requirements via the Legal Justice Coaching Middle, they undergo further coaching in Auburn earlier than they’re on the streets serving the general public.
In Auburn, we consider in justice, equity and integrity, and in additional than simply phrases — in motion and dedication. Our group expects and deserves nothing much less.
We welcome continued dialogue with our residents, civic leaders, and fellow regulation enforcement professionals. We’ve been holding public security conferences throughout town for the previous few months, the place we’ve heard so much and realized so much.
In Auburn, we’re wanting ahead — not by ignoring the previous however utilizing it as a basis for one thing higher.
