Washington state lawmakers will consider prohibiting police hog-tying in a significant move to reduce excessive police brutality and racial inequalities. The initiative comes nearly four years after Tacoma police killed 33-year-old Black man Manuel Ellis in custody. Racial justice campaigners in the Pacific Northwest have used the incident as a symbol, prompting Democratic Sen. Yasmin Trudeau to draft the “Manuel Ellis” Washington Anti-Discrimination Act. This bill would address Ellis’ dehumanization and avoid future catastrophes.
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The Manuel Ellis Washington Anti-Discrimination Act
Tragedy Response Democratic Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, the bill’s sponsor, wants to end police hog-tying. The measure addresses structural inequalities and excessive force after Manuel Ellis died in police custody.
Despite nationwide police reform efforts, few states have eliminated prone restraint. California banned law enforcement practices that could cause positional asphyxia in 2021, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Washington state bill is vital to meeting evolving national force guidelines.
Hog-tying, which binds a suspect’s hands and feet, has long been feared for suffocation. Since 1995, the U.S. Department of Justice has discouraged it to prevent prison deaths. Despite these warnings, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department allows hog-tying, causing conflicts and tragedies.
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Manuel Ellis’ Tragedy
Manuel Ellis’ March 2020 death illustrates the dangers of disproportionate force. Ellis, a Black guy, was killed by Tacoma police. The proposed law would ban harmful restraints and promote humane law enforcement to prevent repeat incidents.
Democratic Sen. John Lovick and Republican Rep. Gina Mosbrucker support the bill. Sen. Mosbrucker underlines the necessity of safeguarding the safety of both cops and persons under arrest. Washington state leads a national police reform and accountability movement as it considers this crucial legislation.
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