SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5094
As of January 28, 2021
Title: An act relating to vascular neck restraints.
Brief Description: Concerning vascular neck restraints.
Sponsors: Senators Padden and Holy.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 2/02/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), Washington State Patrol, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and organizations representing state and local law enforcement officers to develop a written model policy on the use of vascular neck restraints.
  • Requires CJTC to provide training for officers on the proper use of vascular neck restraints and 50 percent of peace officers employed within any law enforcement agency to have proper training and certification in the use of vascular neck restraints. 
  • Requires, by June 1, 2022, every law enforcement agency to adopt and implement a vascular neck restraint policy. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE
Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)
Background:

The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) provides training and educational programs to law enforcement, corrections officers, and other public safety professionals in Washington.  This includes hosting the Basic Law Enforcement Academy as well as advanced training.  Basic training provided by the CJTC to all general authority law enforcement officers includes training on patrol procedures, firearms, and defensive tactics. 

 

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) is an independent organization consisting of sheriffs, police chiefs, the Washington State Patrol, and the Department of Corrections.  WASPC is also a statutory entity and manages certain programs, including the Jail Booking and Reporting System and Arrest and Jail Alternatives Law Enforcement Grant Program. 

 

In general, the vascular neck restraint (VNR) is a control technique used by law enforcement officers that applies bilateral compression to the carotid arteries in the neck.  Law enforcement agency policies vary on whether neck restraints, including VNR are permitted, and, if they are permitted, the circumstances in which they may be used.
Summary of Bill:

By December 1, 2021, CJTC, Washington State Patrol, WASPC, and organizations representing state and local law enforcement officers must develop a written model policy on the use of vascular neck restraints. 

 

CJTC must provide training for law enforcement officers on the proper use of vascular neck restraints.  A minimum of 50 percent of peace officers employed within any law enforcement agency must be properly trained and certified in the use of vascular neck restraints. 

 

By June 1, 2022, every state, county, and municipal law enforcement agency must adopt and implement a vascular neck restraint policy.  The policy may be, but is not required to be, the model policy developed under the bill. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2021.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.