Rule introduces bill to amend vehicle pursuit law

State representative Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) cosponsored a bill in Washington state legislature last month that would pull back current pursuit restrictions on law enforcement and allow agencies to write their own pursuit policy.

In 2021, the state legislature passed a bill that restricted law enforcement’s ability to pursue a vehicle when a nonviolent crime has been committed. According to RCW 10.116.060, a person must pose “an imminent threat to the safety of others and the safety risks of failing to apprehend or identify the person are considered to be greater than the safety risks of the vehicular pursuit under the circumstances.”

House Bill 1363, cosponsored by state representative and former state trooper Eric Robertson (R-Sumner), restores the initial threshold to begin a vehicle pursuit to reasonable suspicion that a crime has or is being committed while keeping the current balancing tests and safeguards, according to a January 17 press release.

Rule said in the statement, after having met with law enforcement and constituents, that a change is needed in Washington state’s pursuit law. 

“Criminals know they can run and are taking advantage of well-intentioned reforms meant to curb unnecessary injuries and deaths from vehicle pursuits,” Rule said. “I voted against this change in policy in 2021, and I believe it has not had the intended effects. We cannot let criminals have a free pass. A one-size-fits-all pursuit policy simply does not work for every community in our state, and this bill will allow police agencies to set their own pursuit policies.”

Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley said the bill would allow officers more freedom to do their job. Tanksley mentioned a robbery in January 2021 as an example of when the current legislation prevents officers from enforcing the law. 

“Overall, I think we should be held accountable for what we do, but we also have to have the ability to do it,” Tanksley said.

Three individuals broke into Pantec Mini Storage on Boblett Street and stole multiple firearms and other personal belongings. Blaine Police Department officers responded and pursued the individuals in their vehicle after fleeing a traffic stop. With the aid of Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol, officers were able to apprehend the individuals and seize the stolen weapons.

As a retired Washington State Patrol trooper, Robertson said he has been involved in vehicle pursuits where he decided to safely conduct a pursuit against someone violating the law and where he decided to end a pursuit out of safety concerns for himself and others.

“I’m glad we’re finding common ground to correct current statute to allow troopers, deputies, and officers to engage in a vehicular pursuit if there is reasonable suspicion the person in the vehicle has or is committing a crime,” Robertson said in a statement. “Our law enforcement professionals need this discretionary tool put back into their toolbox.”

Tanksley said the bill also addresses some training issues that the Blaine Police Department already completes. Officers undergo emergency vehicle operator course (EVOC) training once or sometimes twice per year, he said. The department also has a certified EVOC instructor. The bill would require updated EVOC training to be done every two years.

“Pursuits are dangerous, but that’s why we have very strict policies, procedures, paperwork and expectations to be held accountable,” Tanksley said.