ACLU report critical of Pasco’s police 1 year after killing

PASCO — The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington on Wednesday issued a critical report on the Pasco Police Department, contending officers lack critical training, services for Spanish speakers are inadequate and the community doesn’t have any meaningful input into police practices.

Wednesday was the one-year anniversary of the killing by Pasco police of Antonio Zambrano-Montes at a busy intersection. Zambrano-Montes had been throwing rocks at police and passing vehicles before officers fired 17 times at the unarmed orchard worker.

The killing was captured on video and sparked weeks of peaceful protests in the agricultural city.

The Tri-City Herald reported that the 2014 police killings of Brad Jensen and Matthew Stoddard in Pasco also werecriticized by the ACLU. All three men showed signs of behavior associated with mental distress or disorder, the report said.

The ACLU questioned whether Pasco police were prepared to effectively deal with emotional or mentally ill people.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

“It is clear that the department’s policies are outdated and inadequate,” the report said. “The policies do not provide guidance about de-escalation nor adequate details to guide officers on when and how to decrease the use of force.”

City officials disagreed with the ACLU’s report, saying that group didn’t contact the city before issuing the report and failed to mention key improvements the police department has made since Zambrano-Montes’ death.

The department has beefed up training, made strides to improve community relations, revised some internal policies and hired more bilingual officers, Pasco police Chief Bob Metzger said.

“I appreciate what the ACLU has done,” Metzger said. “But I’m disappointed they didn’t talk to us before they (issued the report). There has been a lot of changes.”

The ACLU said the 76-officer department has weak policies regarding use of force and no guide to de-escalate crisis situations. But city officials said the department has focused much of its recent training on de-escalation of crisis incidents, bolstered its review criteria on use of force and trained its officers on bias-free policing.

The city is also awaiting a review from the U.S. Department of Justice on its policies and procedures.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen goes through an informational slideshow about the current budget situation in Edmonds during a roundtable event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor recommends $19M levy lid lift for November

The city’s biennial budget assumed a $6 million levy lid lift. The final levy amount is up to the City Council.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

A firefighting helicopter carries a bucket of water from a nearby river to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Snohomish County property owners can prepare for wildfire season

Clean your roofs, gutters and flammable material while completing a 5-foot-buffer around your house.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

Patrick Russell, left, Jill Russell and their son Jackson Russell of Lake Stevens enjoy Dick’s burgers on their way home from Seattle on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 in Edmonds, Washington. The family said the announcement of the Dick’s location in Everett “is amazing” and they will be stopping by whenever it opens in 2025. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Dick’s Drive-In announces details for Thursday’s grand opening in Everett

Dick’s will celebrate its second Snohomish County location with four days of festivities.

Washington’s Supreme Court slashes public defender caseload limits

The changes will take effect Jan. 1, but local governments get a decade to comply. For cash-strapped counties, it may not be enough time without more state aid.

Washington stuck mid-pack in national education ranking

The new report underscores shortfalls in reading and math proficiency. Still, the state’s top school official says data show progress recovering from the pandemic.

Marysville is planning a new indoor sports facility, 350 apartments and a sizable hotel east of Ebey Waterfront Park. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New report shifts outlook of $25M Marysville sports complex

A report found a conceptual 100,000-square-foot sports complex may require public investment to pencil out.

x
Edmonds seeks applicants for planning board alternate

The member would attend and participate in meetings and vote when another member is absent. Applications close June 25.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.