Following the sentencing of former Officer Jeffrey Nelson to 16 years and eight months in jail, members of the neighborhood have raised issues 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 needed reforms and coverage modifications in Washington legislation enforcement.
A lot has been written — right here in The Seattle Instances opinion pages and on-line — concerning the stain this leaves on the division and the town of Auburn. Many have puzzled what this trial and aftermath means for the brass and management — what may be finished, 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 neighborhood. 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 whole 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 Unbiased Investigation Crew, properly earlier than the Legislature created the Workplace of Unbiased Investigation. And for good cause — as a result of a accountability as essential as neighborhood policing requires ongoing impartial evaluate of incidents involving lethal pressure.
However as we mirror on this second, it’s essential to emphasise: The Auburn Police Division is deeply dedicated to upholding the best requirements of integrity, accountability and repair to our residents.
We won’t let the actions of 1 former officer outline the whole division, nor can we ignore the chance this has created for significant development and reflection. When an officer is sentenced following a jury’s conviction, we respect that call. And but, we nonetheless assist 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 court docket.
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, according to the Legal professional Basic’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 neighborhood.
A latest 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 now we have 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 speak about tradition for a second. In 2019, we fashioned the Police Advisory Committee, which helps information coverage, informs recruitment methods and offers basic recommendation. Every member represents an essential and assorted voice inside our neighborhood.
For years, now we have labored aggressively to rent a various police pressure that’s extra reflective of the neighborhood. Since 2019, now we have welcomed 84 new officers of our present 110 from quite a lot of backgrounds and walks of life. After their vital coaching on all upgraded requirements by way of the Felony Justice Coaching Middle, they undergo extra coaching in Auburn earlier than they’re on the streets serving the general public.
In Auburn, we imagine in justice, equity and integrity, and in additional than simply phrases — in motion and dedication. Our neighborhood 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 the town for the previous few months, the place we’ve heard lots and realized lots.
In Auburn, we’re trying ahead — not by ignoring the previous however utilizing it as a basis for one thing higher.
