WOODWAY, TX — The Woodway Public Safety Department responded to the proposals of the "8 Can't Wait" campaign today on Facebook. In relation to each of the campaign's eight components, WPSD stated that:
- They do not train or allow their officers to use chokeholds or strangleholds.
- De-escalation training is an on-going training component for new and existing staff.
- WSPD uses warnings during de-escalation whenever possible before resorting to use of force.
- Officers must not use deadly force except when necessary per department policy.
- Department code of conduct requires officers to intervene in order to protect public safety.
- Discharging a weapon into a moving vehicle is prohibited unless a suspect is using or attempting to use deadly force towards another person, including officers.
- Officers must not use more force than objectively reasonable under the circumstances and never use force against verbally abusive language or provocation.
- Extensive reporting is required for all use of force incidents.
The "8 Can't Wait" campaign was popularized following the death of George Floyd. More information on the program's goals is available at 8cantwait.org.
