U.S. Rep. Newhouse (R-WA) on June 10 announced the formation of a new Washington state working group that will discuss and build upon local and community-led efforts to improve policing.
“Restoring peace and delivering justice for all are ideals inherent to our nation’s founding that I fully support, and it starts by engaging with our local communities,” said Rep. Newhouse following the inaugural meeting this week of the Central Washington Law Enforcement Working Group.
Rep. Newhouse said he established the working group in response to the events and discussions happening on the national stage to hear firsthand from local community leaders.
“Central Washington’s law enforcement officers have sworn to protect and serve our families, friends and neighbors,” said the congressman. “I am hopeful this working group will open a line of thoughtful, respectful dialogue as Congress considers legislation that will affect the way our officers work to enforce the rule of law.”
The Central Washington Law Enforcement Working Group is comprised of representatives from police and sheriff’s offices from across Washington’s 4th Congressional District, and Rep. Newhouse said he was grateful for their ongoing response to the increase in crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I applaud their defense of central Washington’s First Amendment rights as witnessed at peaceful protests throughout our communities,” he said. “I will continue to work to ensure we maintain a just and civil society through law and order.”
During the working group’s first meeting, law enforcement officers discussed steps currently being taken to improve policing throughout central Washington, including the implementation of several Washington state laws and provisions that are being discussed at the national level, according to Rep. Newhouse’s office.
Participants also discussed how their departments are increasing community involvement in policing, outreach to minority communities, and crime prevention activities with children, students and families, among other topics.