§ 8-5. Use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies against individuals engaged in nonviolent civil rights demonstrations prohibited.

(a)

The County of Washington has adopted and is enforcing this policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in nonviolent civil rights demonstrations.

(b)

The County will ensure that all law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction will enforce all applicable State and local laws against physically barring entrance to or exit from a facility or location which is the subject of such nonviolent civil rights demonstrations within its jurisdiction.

(c)

In response to nonviolent civil rights demonstrations, the County will be mindful and protective of the rights of all participants in such demonstrations, as well as any onlookers, bystanders, or any other persons located in the vicinity or owning property in the vicinity.

(d)

In connection with such demonstrations, the use of force shall be permitted only when necessary to protect the rights of individuals or to uphold the law. In no event shall the use of force be in excess of that necessary to achieve the lawful goals of the County be permitted.

(Ord. No. 94-13, § 1, 10-17-94)

Editor's note

Res. No. 94-13, Art. 1, adopted Oct. 17, 1994, did not specifically amend the Code; hence, inclusion herein as § 8-5 was at the discretion of the editor.