After former Officer Jeffrey Nelson received a sentence of 16 years and 8 months in prison, the Auburn community has voiced significant concerns regarding the culture within their police department. This conviction marks the first under Initiative 940, which has spurred crucial reforms and alterations in policing policies across Washington State.
The Seattle Times and other forums have extensively discussed the repercussions this incident has on both the Auburn Police Department and the city itself. People are questioning the implications for the police leadership and what measures could realistically restore public trust after such a tragic event. What’s the starting point for rebuilding?
It’s important to acknowledge that Jesse Sarey’s death was a tragedy, and the sorrow faced by his family and the Auburn community is deeply felt. While words are powerless to heal such wounds, our sympathy is with those who continue to mourn.
As city leaders—a mayor governing a city or a police chief overseeing over 100 officers—it’s crucial to recognize that every choice we make carries significant consequences.
Since 2012, the Valley Independent Investigation Team has examined every use of deadly force in Auburn, long before the Legislature established the Office of Independent Investigation. This ongoing independent scrutiny is essential for the vital responsibility of community policing.
During this pivotal time, it’s crucial to affirm Auburn Police Department’s commitment to maintaining the utmost integrity, accountability, and service to our residents.
We refuse to let the conduct of a single officer overshadow the entire department, nor should we overlook the chance this presents for meaningful reflection and advancement. When a jury convicts and sentences an officer, we respect the ruling, yet stand by their families, many of whom remain part of our department, offering them our physical presence in court at times.
Taking the duty of policing seriously and understanding that public trust is essential, we have embraced reforms since 2019. These include more robust use-of-force policies, broader de-escalation training, and enhanced oversight of officer behavior in line with the Attorney General’s Model Policies. These steps aim to prevent the kind of force that led to Sarey’s death, while ensuring officers have the necessary resources for effective policing.
A Seattle Times op-ed aptly discussed the impact of culture, a sentiment we share. Culture fundamentally shapes an organization, often surpassing policy. Consequently, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where officers are held responsible for their actions, and where issues are addressed openly.
Discussing culture further, we established the Police Advisory Committee in 2019. This committee guides policy, informs recruitment strategies, and offers general counsel, with each member presenting a vital perspective within our community.
For years, we’ve been proactively pursuing a more diverse police force that mirrors our community. Since 2019, we’ve brought in 84 new officers of our current 110, hailing from various backgrounds. They undergo significant training at the Criminal Justice Training Center and additional preparation in Auburn before serving our community.
In Auburn, justice, fairness, and integrity transcend mere words; they are intrinsic to our actions and dedication. Our community deserves nothing less, and we strive to meet those expectations.
We encourage ongoing discussions with our residents, civic leaders, and fellow law enforcement professionals. Public safety meetings held throughout the city over recent months have been insightful and educational.
In Auburn, we look towards the future—not by dismissing past challenges, but by using them as a stepping stone to build something more promising.
Nancy Backus serves as the mayor of Auburn, and Mark Caillier is the city’s police chief.
