Lake Forest Park council tables resolution on community policing and federal enforcement for two weeks

The Lake Forest Park City Council on Feb. 12 voted to table Resolution 26-20-61 — a declaration reaffirming the city’s commitment to community policing, de‑escalation and protection of constitutional rights — and asked a small drafting group to incorporate public feedback and minor edits before returning the measure to the dais.

Supporters of the resolution and multiple residents urged the council to act. Julian Anderson said the resolution is “needed and timely” but warned that Section 5 risked suppressing valued police duties such as the duty to intervene and report. Several speakers asked that the resolution name all eight people who have died in recent ICE‑related incidents rather than singling out two individuals.

Council members debated whether to approve the draft as written or continue editing. Vice Chair Goldman said the text was “probably 95% of the way there” and could be approved with a commitment to continued work. Council Member Muhlberg and others urged further revisions — including correcting a factual date in the whereas clauses and listing victims by name — and moved to table the item for two weeks. The motion to table passed by voice vote. The council designated Council Member Rosenau, Vice Chair Goldman and Council Member Millenberg as the small group to draft edits and return to the Feb. 26 meeting.

Chief Hart addressed the council and public, acknowledging national events that have raised local concern and reiterating departmental policy. “Lake Forest Park Police Department is and will remain a community policing agency,” the chief said, adding that officers are trained to prioritize de‑escalation and the sanctity of human life. The chief cited Washington law (RCW 10.93.190) to explain that the statutory duty to intervene applies to Washington peace officers and does not impose a legal duty to direct federal law‑enforcement officers acting under federal authority; the chief said department policies nevertheless require action when officers are in a safe position to intervene.

On procedural next steps, a council member read the names of eight people who have died in ICE‑related incidents into the record to ensure they are acknowledged in the public minutes. Council members said they expect the drafting group to consider edits suggested during the public comment period — including language on recording law‑enforcement activity in public and parity across law enforcement agencies — and to consult with the city attorney and police chief as needed.

The measure was tabled; no final policy change or formal vote on the substantive resolution occurred at the Feb. 12 meeting. The committee is scheduled to return the revised draft to the Feb. 26 council agenda.