Richland Police Chief addresses calls to defund law enforcement
RICHLAND, Wash.-- In addition to local petitions asking that School Resource Officers be removed from schools in Richland, law enforcement agencies across the country are responding to calls to defund police agencies in response to reports of police brutality.
"I think disbanding is the wrong concept," said Richland Police Chief John Bruce during an interview with Newsradio 610 KONA. "It could-- we don't know-- it could lead to lawlessness. I am in support of having that conversation of what tactics our police are using, what policies do they have in place, what systems are in place to ensure that we're treating all of our citizens all of our businesses, all of our visitors fairly and with their safety in mind."
Last week, Chief Bruce sent out a letter to Richland Police Officers that was made public several days later, wherein he referenced the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The 46-year old former security guard lost consciousness while a Minneapolis Police Officer had his knee on Floyd's neck. Floyd later died, and the officer, along with three others at the scene were fired and face charges in connection with the man's death.
"I hope that given a similar situation, that a fellow officer would have the courage to say that’s enough, he is no longer resisting," Bruce said in the letter. "Our role is to take enforcement actions against the suspect(s) and sometimes that is physical. But once they are under control and in our custody, our role has to change to their protector. We have to ensure that they are presented to the court for the rest of the criminal justice system."
Chief Bruce said the agency has been researching the use of body-worn cameras, but has not moved toward implementing the devices.
"It's a question of funding, it's a question of priorities, of what the needs are for the police department itself. But there are a lot of hidden costs involved in body cameras. The cameras themselves are the cheapest piece of it," Bruce said. "The storage, the redaction that sometimes has to occur before it can be released to anybody dealing with the open records laws here in Washington create a problem. But, all of those can be overcome."
Overall, despite the recent peaceful protests in Richland, and the calls to remove Richland Police Officers from Richland schools, Chief Bruce says he feels the community's support, with letters, emails, and meals from businesses and individuals encouraging officers.
"It means a lot to us that our community is standing with us."
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