OLYMPIA — Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin is urging a change to a Washington state law on the ability to prosecute officers who use deadly force.
Baldwin testified Monday before a state task force that is studying the statute that says police can’t be charged with a crime for using deadly force unless it can be proved they acted with “malice” and without “good faith,” the News Tribune of Tacoma reported.
Baldwin, the son of a police officer, said that the malice standard should be removed. No other state uses the requirement.
Most on the task force agree “malice” should be removed from state law, and a “good faith” standard” is under debate as well. Some police groups object to any change.
The task force is expected to adopt recommendations to the Legislature, which will ultimately decide whether or not to move forward with them.
