The Washington state House has approved legislation that would prohibit police from using hog-tying as a restraint technique. The practice, which involves binding a suspect's hands and feet together, has raised concerns due to the risk of suffocation.
The bill was passed with overwhelming support from lawmakers, with Democratic Rep. Sharlett Mena emphasizing the dehumanizing and dangerous nature of hog-tying. She highlighted that despite these risks, some jurisdictions in Washington still authorize the practice.
The decision comes in the wake of the death of Manuel Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man who died in police custody in Tacoma. Ellis was hog-tied by officers, pleaded for help, and tragically lost his life. His case has become a symbol for racial justice advocates in the Pacific Northwest.
The legislation, previously approved by the Senate, will now return for final confirmation before being sent to Governor Jay Inslee for signing.
While some concerns were raised about smaller jurisdictions lacking resources to adopt alternative restraints, Republican Rep. Gina Mosbrucker expressed her support for the bill. She sees it as a step towards improving the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
The U.S. Department of Justice has long advised against hog-tying to prevent deaths in custody. The Washington attorney general's office also discourages the practice in its model use-of-force policy. Despite these recommendations, a few local agencies in the state still permit hog-tying.
Manuel Ellis' tragic encounter with law enforcement in 2020 resulted in his death being ruled a homicide due to lack of oxygen. Three officers involved in the incident were charged with murder or manslaughter but were acquitted following arguments that Ellis' death was due to drug intoxication and a pre-existing medical condition.
