Officers concerned over police reform laws

SPOKANE VALLEY — Law enforcement officers from across Eastern Washington are warning residents that new laws make it difficult to serve the public on possible criminal activities.

Nine police chiefs and eight sheriffs gathered at Center Place July 22 to voice concerns about Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1310 and House Bill 1054, and Senate Substitute Bill 5066.

The laws went into effect on Sunday, July 25.

“The Legislature of the state of Washington chose to craft laws and did not invite your law enforcement leaders to the table to even discuss these,” Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Kne...