Washington Police Group Calls Deadly Force Bill ‘Radical’

SEATTLE (AP) — A police group in Washington state says it will oppose a bill that would make it easier to bring criminal charges against officers who kill someone in the line of duty.

The Seattle Times reports that 12 Democratic lawmakers have sponsored a bill that would remove language in state law protecting police officers from prosecution if they kill someone in the line of duty without "evil intent" or malice.

That language was enacted in 1986. A Seattle Times report described it as the most restrictive limitation in the nation last year.

Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs executive director Mitch Barker says the current law has worked well for decades. He called the bill "radical" and says it will drive officers from the profession.