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Editorial: Editorial Roundup: More to do on trooper recruitment
The following are abridged versions of Northwest editorials. They do not necessarily reflect the view of The Spokesman-Review’s editorial board.
Lawmakers this year have sewn a patch on problems surrounding the Washington State Patrol while leaving the more detailed needlework for next year. The Legislature approved a 5 percent pay raise, to take effect July 1, for troopers, sergeants, lieutenants and captains – on top of an already scheduled raise of 3 percent for troopers and sergeants.
The need for immediate action is demonstrated by a shortage of troopers. More than 100 of the Washington State Patrol’s 671 field positions are unfilled, and the vacancy rate has been consistently growing since 2009. The difficulty in hiring and retaining officers is in part caused by a lagging pay scale when compared with other law enforcement agencies.
The pay discrepancy also comes into play when the State Patrol does manage to hire a trooper, as many leave for better pay within a couple years. This is costly for the state, which spent money to train an employee only to have them leave.
Meanwhile, although pay increases might help shore up a teetering State Patrol, lawmakers also must recognize that salaries are not the only difficulty facing the agency. A survey of patrol members released earlier this year revealed widespread job dissatisfaction that also contributes to the shortage of troopers. The survey found that only 18 percent of troopers and sergeants believe they are valued in their department, and less than 10 percent feel their opinion is taken into account.
All of this serves to hamper the effectiveness of the State Patrol – and therefore the safety of the public. And that will call for more than a patchwork solution next year from lawmakers.
Washington state lawmakers took steps this year to start dealing with public distrust that has arisen nationally and locally over police shootings of suspects. The question is how to ensure that police can protect themselves and the public, while also protecting the community from unjustified or discriminatory uses of force.
Under current state law, an officer can’t be held criminally liable for the use of lethal force against a citizen unless prosecutors have evidence of malice. Neither of two bills awaiting Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature will directly change this. But both create task forces that should lead to healthy discussions and helpful changes on use-of-force law and the deployment of police body cameras.
House Bill 2908 sets up a task force that must include prosecutors, defense lawyers, police and representatives of minority associations to address use-of-force issues. The task force will examine the use of force by police, including data on current practices, and recommend changes in the law.
This bill grew out of May’s shooting of two black men by a white Olympia officer. It was championed by the Black Alliance of Thurston County. The officer was cleared of wrongdoing. The wounded men face assault charges.
Clearly, a lot of work lies ahead.