The city of Olympia, Washington, has settled a lawsuit with the family of Timothy Green, who was shot and killed by police in August 2022. As part of the settlement, Olympia will pay $600,000 to Green’s family and implement new policies to address concerns over the use of political and ideological symbols by law enforcement. The settlement also requires police officers to undergo training on mental health crises and the intersection of race and policing.
Incident Sparks Controversy
The shooting incident has drawn national scrutiny after it was revealed that during the confrontation, the officer who fired the fatal shots was wearing gloves with a Blue Lives Matter emblem. Additionally, another officer’s department-issued laptop was decorated with a symbol associated with right-wing anti-government ideology. This revelation led to questions about whether these symbols influenced the officers’ actions during the crisis.
Timeline of Events
Timothy Green, a 37-year-old Black man with a history of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, was experiencing a severe psychotic episode when he was confronted by Olympia police outside a Starbucks. Despite efforts to subdue him with stun guns, Officer Jordan Anderson shot Green three times. The incident was captured on video and has been criticized for the officers’ handling of the situation and their use of politically charged symbols.
Broader Implications
The settlement aims to restore public trust in the Olympia Police Department by addressing the misuse of personal and political symbols in official capacities. The agreement mandates a review of police practices and additional training to ensure officers are better equipped to handle mental health crises and understand the racial dynamics of their interactions with the community.
Community and Family Reactions
Green’s family has expressed hope that these changes will prevent similar incidents in the future. They have also called for a re-evaluation of the decision not to file criminal charges against the officers involved. The settlement highlights ongoing concerns about police practices and the influence of personal beliefs on law enforcement activities.
Looking Forward
As part of the settlement, the Olympia Police Department will be required to release a detailed report of its internal review by September. This report is expected to shed light on the department’s response to the shooting and the steps it will take to ensure such incidents are handled with greater sensitivity and adherence to established protocols.
