(The Center Square) – A proposed bill related to crowd control policies in Seattle has been amended to include some limitations on the use of less-lethal weapons.
Council Bill 120916 would help the Seattle Police Department be in full compliance with a preliminary injunction regarding the department’s crowd control measures, the result of a 2012 court order that was sought by the U.S. Department of Justice following an investigation into the police department’s policies and practices at the time.
Council Bill 120916 establishes restrictions on when crowd management tools can be used. During the Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, three out of the 10 proposed amendments were adopted by the committee.
Amendment 1 was adopted, which requires blast balls to only be used when crowd conditions are determined as a riot. When used for crowd movement or dispersal purposes, Police Department policy shall reflect that blast balls shall be deployed when safe and feasible consistent with training in an open space to mitigate against the risk of injury to a person.
An additional amendment was adopted that prohibits the use of blast balls to move or disperse a crowd unless the mayor has issued a proclamation of civil emergency.
A third adopted amendment would requires the police department to comply with the accountability ordinance requirement.
Blast balls are rubber devices that create a loud sound and bright flash, and can also contain tear gas.
Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess argues that not all crowd management situations are the same. For instance, large gatherings at Seattle’s beaches or street takeovers can become more aggressive in rare circumstances.
Seattle first began considering the use of blast balls in 2001, following a deadly assault that occurred in Pioneer Square during a Mardi Gras celebration.
Kristopher Kime was beaten to death during the large gathering, which became a crowd management crisis.
“Nearby, police officers who were not prepared for the size of the crowd were held back by their commanders, who feared that the violence playing out before them would overwhelm the limited number of officers.” Burgess said. “Had blast balls been available, they could have dispersed the crowd and allowed officers to rescue Kristopher.”
Burgess added in situations such as this, there is not enough time to consult with the mayor and receive a proclamation of civil emergency.
The Center Square previously reported on Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore’s proposed amendments, which require separate authorization from the mayor for use of blast balls. However, that amendment was rejected by the majority of the public safety committee.
Her other amendment, which implements guidelines for blast balls to be thrown underhand away from people and launched from a distance of a minimum 10 yards, was not adopted with council members split two in favor and two opposed with one abstention.
Fellow council members Bob Kettle and Rob Saka believed the inclusion of the underhand throw requirement was too specific.
Moore voted against the recommendation of the amended bill. She added that she suspects Seattle will witness more demonstrations in the near future as the federal government shifts and that the bill still needs adjustments.
The bill is scheduled for a full Seattle City Council vote on Feb. 4.