Information about our policies and training

We have compiled the following information and present it to our community members who have asked questions of us regarding our policies and training as it relates to use of force.

The foundation of our law enforcement action by our police officer personnel is rooted in the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.  This code is part of our department policy manual and is held in such high regard it is referenced in two areas of our policy.  You can review this code within our Use of Force Policy that is provided below.  Officers are required to read the Code of Ethics annually as a continual reminder of what we as a department stand for and hold ourselves to as a standard during the performance of our duties.

In addition to the Code of Ethics, Marysville Police Officers are guided by the tenets of our department core values; Accountability, Courage, Leadership, Integrity, Professionalism.  These core values do not discriminate!  

Our Use of Force Policy is predicated on Washington State laws written in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) in addition to United States Supreme Court rulings that can and do steer policy decisions and revisions.

In January 2020 the City authorized and funded the position of Administrative Sergeant assigned to the Professional Standards Unit. The primary mission of this position, in collaboration with the Professional Standards Commander, the Chief of Police, and the City Attorney’s Office as needed, has been the complete review of all department policy, and the edit and revision of policy as deemed appropriate and necessary. In addition, this position has been tasked with preparing the department to begin the process for Washington State accreditation. Both the policy review and revision, and the accreditation process initiatives are meant to ensure the Marysville Police Department remains up-to-date in law enforcement best practices, is legally sound in its application, and is transparent to our community members in the manner in which we conduct our law enforcement business.

Policy 100 of the Marysville Police Department policy manual outlines the role and authority of the Marysville Police Department.  Policy 300 addresses response to resistance and aggression.  When an officer must respond to resistance and aggression in order to perform a lawful action, it is necessary to have sound direction in which officers can reference.  Training on the policies is crucial to ensuring a proper response from the officer is applied.  It is important to understand it is impossible to write a use of force policy that would account for every conceivable scenario or identify every possible variable in what are most often very fluid, chaotic situations.  It is with this in mind that force policy is not written solely based on the variables encountered during unique circumstances, although they must be considered, but more importantly based on the current actions of the person the officer is responding to.

Best practice policies that are based on solid principles, provide specific direction and allow officers to effect appropriate and timely escalation or de-escalation based on the actions of the individual they are engaged with.

Please review the information below and feel free to contact us should you have additional questions.