A bill aimed at clarifying the role of volunteers, known as “posses,” working with local sheriff’s offices in Washington State has sparked significant debate. The legislation seeks to impose clear limitations on the actions of volunteer law enforcement assistants, addressing concerns about accountability, training, and potential liability.
Growing Concerns Over Sheriff’s Volunteer Posses
Washington lawmakers heard public testimony on Monday about a bill that would limit the scope of sheriff’s volunteer posses in the state. The bill comes in the wake of rising concerns surrounding the growing number of volunteers assisting with sheriff’s departments across the state, especially in rural areas.
The bill, introduced as House Bill 1399, aims to curb the expanding role of these volunteers, who have increasingly been involved in activities that could be seen as law enforcement duties. Under the proposed legislation, volunteers would be prohibited from carrying firearms, making arrests, or using force unless they have completed official peace officer training and certification.
The debate over volunteer posses comes just months after InvestigateWest published a profile of Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer, one of the most vocal figures in the “constitutional sheriff” movement. Songer’s posse, which numbers over 100 volunteers, assists with a wide range of activities, from administrative work to controversial tasks like cougar hunts.
Critics argue that these volunteers, often without formal law enforcement training, could inadvertently escalate dangerous situations or be involved in violent confrontations. There are concerns about the legal ramifications for the county should any of these volunteers be involved in a wrongful arrest or the use of force.
Impact on Law Enforcement and Community Trust
The bill has generated substantial public input, with thirty-two people signing up to testify during the hearing. Many supported the legislation, citing concerns about the growing influence of volunteer posses in their communities. Michelle Nijhuis, a long-time resident of Klickitat County, shared her concerns, emphasizing that volunteers, although well-intentioned, were being placed in situations where they could potentially exercise police powers without adequate oversight.
“Our sheriff’s office has more than 150 volunteers who are regularly put in situations where they are expected to exercise police power,” said Nijhuis. “While it’s intended to increase public safety, the lack of training and experience has actually created more fear and distrust of local law enforcement.”
Her testimony reflects a wider concern among locals who feel that the presence of volunteers with varying levels of experience has undermined the authority of professional law enforcement officers. Some worry that the growing influence of volunteer posses could lead to an erosion of public trust in official law enforcement agencies, which is already strained in some areas.
On the other hand, Sheriff Bob Songer and his supporters argue that these volunteers play an important role in keeping communities safe. They assert that the sheriff’s office is empowered to decide how law enforcement resources are used, and that volunteers help fill necessary gaps in services, especially in rural areas where law enforcement personnel are spread thin.
What the Bill Means for Sheriff Departments
The key provision of House Bill 1399 is the restriction on what volunteer posses can do. While volunteers are still permitted to assist with non-law enforcement duties such as event security or search and rescue operations, their role in more critical law enforcement actions would be strictly regulated.
Under the bill, volunteers would not be allowed to carry firearms, detain individuals, or use force, unless they meet the certification requirements set forth for peace officers. The bill would also require law enforcement agencies to adopt policies that clearly define the permissible roles of volunteers.
Supporters of the bill argue that this measure is necessary to ensure that volunteers are adequately trained and that there are clear boundaries between professional law enforcement officers and those acting in volunteer capacities. Additionally, the bill seeks to protect counties from potential liability by establishing guidelines on what volunteers are allowed to do.
However, not everyone is in favor of this approach. James McMahon, policy director for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, opposed the bill during the public testimony. He requested that the bill’s sponsor remove the provision relating to volunteer limitations, arguing that it could undermine the flexibility sheriff’s offices need to effectively manage their resources.
Next Steps for the Bill
House Bill 1399 will be reviewed again by the House Committee on Community Safety on February 6, 2025, where lawmakers will decide whether to move the bill forward. If it passes through the committee, the bill will be sent either to another House committee or directly to the entire House chamber for a vote.
A similar bill, Senate Bill 5364, has also been introduced in the Senate, further reflecting the growing concern over the role of volunteers in law enforcement across the state.
As the debate continues, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and community members will be keeping a close eye on how this bill could reshape the future of sheriff’s volunteer posses in Washington.
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