The bill amends RCW 10.116.060 to provide peace officers with the authority to conduct vehicular pursuits under specific conditions. It establishes that a peace officer may engage in a pursuit if there is reasonable suspicion that a person has committed or is committing certain offenses, including violent or sex offenses, driving under the influence, or other crimes where the public safety risks of failing to apprehend the individual are deemed greater than the risks associated with the pursuit itself. The bill also emphasizes the necessity of supervisory control during the pursuit, requiring officers to receive authorization from a supervising officer and to consider alternatives to the pursuit based on various safety factors.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a supervisor is not on duty, the pursuing officer must notify an on-call supervisor according to agency procedures. It mandates that officers must terminate the pursuit if any of the outlined requirements are not met. The legislation also includes provisions regarding the use of firearms during pursuits and defines what constitutes a "vehicular pursuit." The act is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and takes effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 10.116.060