SEATTLE, United States (AP) — The Seattle mayor has banned the police use of tear gas as protests continue in the city and nationally over the killing of George Floyd.
The move came hours after three civilian police watchdog groups urged city leaders to do so to build public trust and until the department adopts policies and training for the use of the chemical agent, The Seattle Times reported.
The Seattle area's largest labour group also said this week it will expel the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) later this month unless the union admits that racism is a problem in law enforcement and agrees to address that problem in negotiating its next contract with the city.
The labour council's resolution Thursday specifically mentioned contracts between police and the city.
It said the police union must participate in an effort “dedicated to promoting safety within our community and within law enforcement by addressing racism within SPOG…and ensuring that contracts do not evade legitimate accountability”.
