Resident urges Pierce County to discontinue DCR program, alleges abusive practices in public comment

At the May 6 community forum, a woman who identified herself as a survivor of sexual assault and human trafficking urged the Pierce County Council to discontinue the DCR program she said is operated in conjunction with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and a local hospital.

The speaker, Angelina Esquierdo, described a personal experience she characterized as traumatic and alleged that officers had entered her home and used restraints and sedatives in ways she described as abusive. She called the program discriminatory and alleged it operated without adequate medical or counseling assessments. “This is not in accordance to Washington State Administrative Code, American Medical Association Principles of Medical Ethics, or other human policies for adequate medical care,” she said, and urged the council to find an alternative approach that uses humane practices when interacting with people suspected of behavioral health disorders.

Council members did not take action on the statement during the meeting. Staff and council did not provide a response on the record at the meeting, and the clerk reported no online public comments on the topic.

The speaker requested that MultiCare (identified in her remarks) cooperate with the council on the issue; the council chair acknowledged the comment and said staff would be informed. The comment was recorded during the community forum portion of the agenda, a time for members of the public to address the council on topics not on the agenda.