As police reform goes into effect, sheriffs and activists disagree on their effectiveness

A group of 20 sheriffs across Eastern Washington expressed concerns about police reform legislation that they say will lower their ability to do their job, while community activists and families impacted by police violence say this should only be the start of a long road to accountability.

Section:Gallery

Thu., July 22, 2021

From left: Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner, Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr, Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl and Ferry County Sheriff Raymond Maycumber are seen during a press conference hosted and attended by nearly 20 Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies attend at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley, Wash. on July 22, 2021. Representatives from the area agencies expressed concerns with some of the legislative and public safety updates that will go into effect on Sunday in Washington state.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Spokane Police Department Chief Craig Meidl answers a question during a press conference hosted and attended by nearly 20 Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies attend at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley, Wash. on July 22, 2021. Representatives from the area agencies expressed concerns with some of the legislative and public safety updates that will go into effect on Sunday in Washington state.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Nearly 20 Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies attend and host a news conference Thursday at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley. Representatives from the area agencies expressed concerns with some of legislative and public safety updates that will go into effect on Sunday in the state.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich speaks during a press conference hosted and attended by nearly 20 Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies attend at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley, Wash. on July 22, 2021. Representatives from the area agencies expressed concerns with some of the legislative and public safety updates that will go into effect on Sunday in Washington state.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Pullman Police Department Chief Gary Jenkins (left), Moses Lake Police Department Chief Kevin Fuhr (center) and Spokane Valley Police Department Chief David Ellis look on during a press conference hosted and attended by nearly 20 Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies attend at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley, Wash. on July 22, 2021. Representatives from the area agencies expressed concerns with some of the legislative and public safety updates that will go into effect on Sunday in Washington state.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Spokane Police Department Chief Craig Meidl answers questions after a press conference hosted and attended by nearly 20 Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies attend at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley, Wash. on July 22, 2021. Representatives from the area agencies expressed concerns with some of the legislative and public safety updates that will go into effect on Sunday in Washington state.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Ferry County Sheriff Raymond Maycumber speaks during a press conference hosted and attended by nearly 20 Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies attend at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley, Wash. on July 22, 2021. Representatives from the area agencies expressed concerns with some of the legislative and public safety updates that will go into effect on Sunday in Washington state.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo