Having been born in Seattle and lived there for 31 years before 26 years here in Houston - no, they're not.
They're better than most, but I wish they were like here.
Hi,
I live in Baytown, having moved here last fall after hurricane Ike.
In the state of Wsahington, a private citixen has a right to arrest a felon even if the crime was not committed in their presence. Just better be sure you are right when you do it. Private citizen have greater authority to use deadly force when attempting to arrest a felon than even law enforcement officers.
Don’t believe me? Check out this RCW and pay particular attention to the legislative intent at the bottom of this page:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.16.040
Check out the related statutes as well. The language is VERY broad when it comes to a private citizens use of force in apprehending a felon, including the use of deadly force.