2021/07/28 Council Agenda Packet

without a police -dominated environment in the room, which could negatively affect the interview. With the previous system at its end of life, the Everett Police Department has identified this as a priority for funding under the 2021 Justice Assistance Grant. The Washington State legislature recently passed new laws, that mandate how interviews shall be conducted. One of the new laws specifically addresses interview and interrogation, with a focus on audio and video recording. An excerpt from Substitute House Bill 12231 is as follows: "A custodial interrogation, including the giving of any required warning, advice of the rights of the individual being questioned, and the waiver of any rights by the individual, must be recorded electronically in its entirety if the interrogation subject is a juvenile or if the interrogation relates to a felony crime. A custodial interrogation at a jail, police or sheriffs station, holding cell, or correctional or detention facility must be recorded by audio and video means." Another proposed project under the 2021 JAG would be to purchase new hardware and software for our Digital Forensics Unit. This new equipment would improve efficiencies within the unit. This team manages the download of all digital evidence from the interview rooms and department body worn cameras. Having additional software safeguards, and updated laptop computers for evidence extraction, retention and redactions will increase these efficiencies for the personnel assigned to this unit. An additional request for utilization of the JAG funds is consistent with the Washington State Legislature's intent to ensure law enforcement officers have access to more less lethal force options, in an effort to reduce Use of Force. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1310, states, "It is the intent of the legislature that when practicable, peace officers will use the least amount of physical force necessary to overcome actual resistance under the circumstances"2. The EPD has solicited quotes for purchase of a less lethal force device known as the Bolawrap. Described by the company as "remote handcuffs," Wrap Technologies' BolaWrap is a handheld restraint tool that fires a lasso -like, 8-foot Kevlar tether with hooks on each end that wraps around a subject' s arms or legs, preventing them from fleeing, punching or kicking. The BolaWrap has a range of 10 to 25 feet and fires the cord at 513 feet per second. The tether is fired from a cartridge, which can be reloaded. The device uses a green laser sight line to assist the officer with aiming3. This device will provide the needed desires requested by the state legislature and advocacy groups, to provide a lower level force option for our officers. Project Design and Implementation 1 Substitute House Bill 1223, Section 3, line 24. https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BiIlNumber=1223&Year=2021&Initiative=false 2 Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1310, Section 1, line 16. https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BiIlNumber=1310&Initiative=false&Year=2021 3 Policel, "5 Things to Know about the Bolawrap", Posted March 31, 2021, https://www.policel.com/police- prod ucts/less-lethal/a rticles/5-th ings-to-know-a bout-the-bolawrap-eNBVQYCQa htuoH h b/