Supporters turning in signatures to get use of force initiative on ballot

Supporters of an initiative to change the state’s use of force law are turning in signatures to get it on next year’s ballot.

RELATED: Task force favors change that ‘safeguards’ police

The changes would make it easier to charge officers for using deadly force in some instances. But proponents say it will give police officers more tools to handle dangerous situations.

Supporters of Initiative 940 plan to file 350,000 signatures, nearly 100,000 more than required, just before Friday’s deadline.

Lawmakers could then approve it or make changes before putting it on the November ballot.

In Washington, a police officer can’t be charged with a crime in deadly force shootings if it’s proved they acted in good faith and without what’s called “evil intent.”

The most controversial provision would remove proving malice as a condition to prosecute officers who misuse deadly force.

Initiative 940 would require de-escalation training for all law enforcement officers. It would also mandate that they provide first aid if they end up shooting someone.

Supporters of I-940, which includes families of people killed by law enforcement officers, say the current law has led to a situation where it is nearly impossible to hold officers accountable.

Cynthia Softli of the Black Law Enforcement Association of Washington says changes are needed.

“This is not about police bashing. This is not about recognizing the job that law enforcement professionals do every single day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is about training,” said Softli.

This year, 39 people were killed by law enforcement in Washington.

A state task force made up of safety advocates, community members, and law enforcement officials voted 14 out of 26 this year to remove the good faith and malice requirements.

Most law enforcement groups say they don’t support the initiative and opposed a compromise bill.

Another proposed initiative last year failed to make the ballot, but supporters of I-940 say all the signatures collected will get it to lawmakers and possibly voters.