Lawmakers in Washington state are deliberating on a proposal to prohibit police from using hog-tying as a restraint technique, prompted by the tragic death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who died in police custody nearly four years ago.
Ellis’s demise, occurring while he was handcuffed with his feet bound together, sparked protests against racial injustice across the Pacific Northwest.
His sister, Monet Carter-Mixon, condemned hog-tying as an inhumane practice akin to the treatment of animals.
Spearheaded by Democratic Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, the bill aims to prevent the dehumanizing treatment experienced by Ellis.
The proposal reflects a growing national trend of states enacting policing reforms in response to high-profile incidents such as the death of George Floyd.
Despite long-standing warnings from the U.S. Department of Justice against hog-tying due to the risk of positional asphyxia, the technique persists in some law enforcement jurisdictions.
Witnesses testified in support of the ban, highlighting its inhumane nature and potential to impede breathing.
However, opponents, including representatives from law enforcement agencies, advocate for exploring alternative methods rather than implementing an outright ban. Republican Rep.
Gina Mosbrucker proposed allocating funds for training grants aimed at promoting safer restraint techniques.
The proposed legislation builds upon previous police reform measures in Washington, underscoring ongoing efforts to address issues of police conduct and accountability within the state.
