MIPD Public Trust

FAQ's on Police Dept Policies

Read answers from Chief Holmes on a wide range of questions about public trust, use-of-force, anti-bias policing, accountability, and more. 

Public Trust Committee

Early in 2015 the King County Police Chiefs’ Association’s (KCPCA) affirmed their commitment to building a sense of community and trust with their communities by creating the Public Trust / Community Building committee.  This committee worked together with various community members to create a list of resources (known as the Menu of Options) that Chiefs and the Sheriff can use to build and maintain trust with their respective communities. 

The Menu of Options covers five areas: Policy, Training, Hiring & Recruiting, Community Outreach, and Partnerships.  In December 2015, the members of the KCPCA formally approved the Menu of Options, and agreed to begin annual training as well as embrace the Statement of Values as found in the Menu of Options. 

The KCPCA recognized that not all the options would be a good fit for every community, so each Chief and the Sheriff can choose the resources that best fit the needs of their particular community.  The resources found on the Menu of Options will be updated over time. 

Please contact Mercer Island Police Chief Ed Holmes if you have any questions.
 

Police Use of Force

It is the fundamental duty of law enforcement to preserve and protect all human life.  Officer shall respect and uphold the dignity of all persons and use their authority in a bias-free manner.

The proper use of force is essential to ensure impartial policing, build trust in the community and provide safety and security to those in law enforcement.  While there are circumstances where individuals will not comply with the law unless compelled or controlled by officers through the use of force, our officers remain mindful that they derive their authority from the community and that unreasonable force erodes the legitimacy of that authority. 

In order to provide transparency and promote public safety, below is the Mercer Island Police Department's use of force policy.