Following the sentencing of former Officer Jeffrey Nelson to 16 years and eight months in jail, members of the group have raised considerations concerning 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 mandatory reforms and coverage modifications in Washington legislation enforcement.
A lot has been written — right here in The Seattle Occasions opinion pages and on-line — concerning 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 might be achieved, realistically, to restore public belief and confidence following a tragic lack of life. And the place do you begin?
Let’s be clear: The demise of Jesse Sarey was a tragedy, and we acknowledge the heartache and loss felt by his household and the broader Auburn group. Phrases can’t erase that ache and our ideas stay with those that proceed to grieve.
As an elected official voted in to steer a whole metropolis, and as a police chief tasked with steering the ship of a police division with over 100 commissioned officers, we understand each determination has weight.
Since 2012, each use of lethal drive in Auburn has been reviewed and investigated by the Valley Unbiased Investigation Group, properly earlier than the Legislature created the Workplace of Unbiased Investigation. And for good cause — as a result of a accountability as vital as group policing requires ongoing unbiased overview of incidents involving lethal drive.
However as we replicate on this second, it’s vital to emphasise: The Auburn Police Division is deeply dedicated to upholding the best requirements of integrity, accountability and repair to our residents.
We is not going to let the actions of 1 former officer outline the whole 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 individual — their family and friends, lots of whom nonetheless work on the division — and generally 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 applied new reforms, together with enhanced use-of-force insurance policies, expanded de-escalation coaching, and we’ve elevated oversight of officer conduct, per the Lawyer Normal’s Mannequin Insurance policies. These measures are in place to assist forestall the very kind of drive that led to Sarey’s demise, whereas making certain our officers have the instruments essential to successfully police the group.
A latest Seattle Occasions 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 considerations might be addressed transparently.
And let’s discuss tradition for a second. In 2019, we fashioned the Police Advisory Committee, which helps information coverage, informs recruitment methods and gives basic recommendation. Every member represents an vital and diversified voice inside our group.
For years, we’ve got labored aggressively to rent a various police drive 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 vital coaching on all upgraded requirements via the Prison Justice Coaching Heart, 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 legislation enforcement professionals. We’ve been holding public security conferences throughout town for the previous few months, the place we’ve heard rather a lot and discovered rather a lot.
In Auburn, we’re trying ahead — not by ignoring the previous however utilizing it as a basis for one thing higher.
