2014 Received Complaints

The following are complaints received by the Office of the Ombuds and forwarded to Internal Affairs of the Spokane Police Department for investigation in 2014.

Case # Complaint Description Disposition
OPO: 14-01
IA: I14-001
An Inadequate Response complaint was received via the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant alleges that they were assaulted and called 911. When officers responded, they did not arrest the suspect. Once officers left, the suspect began threatening the complainant and when 911 was called again, officers did not respond. (OPO #14-01), (N/W) Received: January 02, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-02
IA: IA14-001
An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant called Crime Check after an individual threatened the complainant with a brick. The complainant waited four hours for a police response. Police did not respond. (OPO # 14-02), (N/W) Received: January 06, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-03 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that when they attempted to complain about the Police Department's lack of response to a previous complaint, the officer they spoke with was rude to the complainant. Received: January 06, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Formal Investigation Complete
Ombuds Findings: Certified
Chief's Findings: Exonerated
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-04 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised they called 9-1-1 because they were being harassed at their home and officers failed to respond. Received: January 06, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-05 An Inadequate Response and Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds by phone. The complainant advised that officers removed them from their home where they resided legally. In addition, the complainant alleged that officers were discourteous and refused to view the complainant's documentation. Received: January 09, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-06 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that an officer failed to properly investigate and resolve a disturbance and threat incident that had occurred at their residence. Received: January 21, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-07 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer did not adequately investigate a suspicious person/vehicle complaint. Received: January 23, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-08 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that officers did not adequately investigate and document a domestic violence case they were the victim of. Received: January 23, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Formal Investigation Completed
Ombuds Findings: Certified
Chief's Findings: Exonerated
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-09 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they called 9-1-1 regarding a domestic violence situation that was in progress and officers never responded. Received: January 29, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-10 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that their vehicle was stolen. They advised that they called Crime Check to report the theft and were advised that an officer would respond. The complainant advised they waited 2 hours without a response or call back. The complainant advised they attempted to schedule a meeting with an officer on 7 different occasions over the next 2 days without success. The complainant advised they then received a letter from a tow yard advising that their vehicle had been towed and the complainant received a bill for $450.00. The complainant advised that they were never informed by the police department that their vehicle had been located and if they had been they could had responded to pick up their vehicle and avoided the tow bill. Received: February 13, 2014
Quadrant:
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-11 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that their parents were rear ended by a police car while stopped at a traffic light. The complainant advised that their parents were searched by officers for no reason and their vehicle was searched. The complainant advised that officers were not compassionate to the complainant's parents. Received: February 14 , 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-12 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant alleged that an officer told them to shut up and threatened them with being trespassed from a public building and arrest if they didn't shut up. Received: February 28 , 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status:
Ombuds Findings:
Chief's Findings:
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-13 A Racial Profiling complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant alleged that they were stopped by an officer because they are African American. The complainant advised that the officer was responding to the STA Main terminal on a disturbance call, and the officer thought the complainant looked like the Hispanic person causing the disturbance. Received: March 07 , 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-14 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant was not satisfied with the police response to an accident the complainant was involved in and the complainant believes that the officer's report is inaccurate. Received: March 11, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-15 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant called police to report that they were being harassed. The complainant was advised an officer would respond but never did. The complainant in # 3 and #4 are the same person. Received: March 1 , 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-16 A Driving complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that they observed an officer fail to yield for pedestrians crossing the street. The complainant advised that when they contacted and questioned the officer, the officer told the complainant they didn't stop because they were responding to a call. Received: March 17 , 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-17 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant was upset that they were directed to leave the St. Patrick's Day Parade because they had their service animal dog with them. The complainant felt that they were the victim of selective enforcement by the officer. Received: March 17 , 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Formal Investigation Completed
Ombuds Findings: Declined Certification
Chief's Findings: Sustained
Officer Discipline: None Document of Counseling
OPO: 14-18 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised they called 9-1-1 and requested an ambulance after they partially consumed a rum and coke at a local bar and thought they may have been poisoned. The complainant advised that an officer responded and refused to call an ambulance for them. Received: April 03 , 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-19 An Inadequate Response and Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant was not satisfied with how two officers handled a disturbance involving the complainant's children and their neighbor. The complainant also advised that one of the officers was rude. Received: April 03, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Formal Investigation Completed
Ombuds Findings: Certified
Chief's Findings: Not Sustained
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-20 An Excessive Force complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer broke the complainant's hand while arresting and handcuffing the complainant. Received: April 07, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Formal Investigation Completed
Ombuds Findings: Certified
Chief's Findings: Not Sustained
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-21 An Excessive Force complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds by phone. The complainant advised that they were injured by an officer when the officer threw the complainant to the floor and arrested them. Received: April 07, 2014
Quadrant: South East
Status: Formal Investigation Completes
Ombuds Findings: Declined Certification
Chief's Findings: Exonerated
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-22 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant called Crime Check three times to report that they thought they had been poisoned from a cocktail while at a local bar. The complainant was advised that an officer would respond; however, no officer ever responded. (Note: The complainant in OPO #14-18 and 14-22 are the same.) Received: April 07, 2014
Quadrant: S/W
Status: Administratively Suspended
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: N/A
Officer Discipline: None N/A
OPO: 14-23 A Harassment complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that 2 officers are associated with an individual that is staking the complainant. Received: April 10, 2014
Quadrant: South East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-24 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer was rude and hung up on the complainant. Received: April 10, 2014
Quadrant: Not Applicable
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-25 A Demeanor and Excessive Force complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that Officers arrested their spouse on a recalled warrant and when applying the handcuffs used unnecessary force in handcuffing their spouse. The complainant advised that their spouse's hand is broken and they advised the officer prior to handcuffing but the officer did not take that into account while cuffing their spouse. The complainant advised that the officer threatened to beat their spouse's brother up for no reason. Received: April 14, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-26 A Driving complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer tailgated them and the same officer shined their spot light in the complainant's face on a different occasion. Received: April 16, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings:
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-27 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer inferred that they were going to open a fraud case against the complainant without cause. Received: April 24, 2014
Quadrant: Not Applicable
Status: Formal Investigation Completed
Ombuds Findings: Certified
Chief's Findings: (1) Not Sustained (2) Exonerated
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-28 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant was involved in an altercation over the repossession of a vehicle. The complainant advised that as they were preparing to repossess at vehicle the person in possession pointed a gun at them while they were parked down the street from where the car was parked. Received: April 27, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-29 An Excessive Force complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they were forcefully removed from their vehicle after refusing to provide their identification to an officer during a traffic stop. The complainant advised that the officer then put them on the ground injuring their head. Received: May 12, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Formal Investigation Completed
Ombuds Findings: Certified
Chief's Findings: Exonerated
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-30 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant did not like the way an officer spoke with them and complained that the officer failed to return 3 voice mail messages left by the complainant. Received: May 12, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-31 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant thought it was inappropriate for an officer to joke about using a Taser to awaken an unconscious STA passenger. Received: May 12, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-32 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant works in property management. The complainant alleged that an officer falsely accused the complainant of assisting in the sale of a deceased tenant's vehicle without the estates consent. Received: May 15, 2014
Quadrant: South East
Status: Administratively Suspended
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: N/A
Officer Discipline: N/A
OPO: 14-33 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they were threatened by an individual with a knife and officers declined to respond. Received: May 15, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-34 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant was involved in an altercation at a local restaurant. Police responded but the complainant advised they have not followed up on the incident with the complainant. Received: May 15, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-35 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer made inappropriate comments in front of the complainant's grandchild regarding the arrest of one of the child's parents. Received: May 19, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed via Mediation
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: N/A
Officer Discipline: N/A
OPO: 14-36 An Inadequate Response was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant was arrested for domestic violence. The complainant thought their spouse should have also have been arrested. Received: May 20, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-37 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they observed 2 individuals break into a vacant house and called the police three times, but the police did not respond. Received: May 23, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-38 An Inadequate Response and Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that officers failed to properly investigate a firearm discharge call at a local park and made inappropriate comments to the complainant. Received: May 23, 2014
Quadrant: South East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-39 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they were contacted by 2 officers and told that they were violating the noise ordinance while playing amplified music at a local park. The complainant does not believe they were violating the ordinance. Received: May 28, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-40 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that their child was contacted by an officer at the child's school without the complainant's (parents) knowledge or approval. The complainant advised that the officer inserted themselves in a civil matter between the complainant and the complainant's neighbor without cause. Received: June 02, 2014
Quadrant: South East
Status: Administratively Suspended
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: N/A
Officer Discipline: N/A
OPO: 14-41 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complaint advised that the police department failed to investigate the assault of their disabled child while at school and has been unresponsive to their calls. Received: June 03, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-42 A Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an Officer may have used their influence to initiate the police response from another agency to their residence on a civil matter and may have assisted in having a citation dismissed against their estranged child. Received: June 03, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-43 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds by phone. The complainant advised that they were a victim of domestic violence assault. The complainant advised that they called Crime Check two days after the incident to report the incident and were told an officer would contact them. The complainant advised they waited an hour but an officer did not respond. Received: June 04, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-44 An Asset Seizure complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that their vehicle was seized in a search of their residence in April 2014. The complainant advised that the vehicle has not been returned and charges have not been filed against them. Received: June 09, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-45 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer refused to take a stolen vehicle and sexual assault report from them. Received: June 09, 2014
Quadrant: South East
Status: Administratively Suspended
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: N/A
Officer Discipline: N/A
OPO: 14-46 A Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that one of their neighbors contacted them regarding drug activity occurring at a second home the complainant owns. The complainant advised that the neighbor who contacted them works for the Sheriff's Department and their spouse works for the Police Department. The complainant advised that the officers used their position as law enforcement officers to force the complainant to evict their tenant without cause or authority. Received: June 10, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Administratively Suspended
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: N/A
Officer Discipline: N/A
OPO: 14-47 A Harassment complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that they were falsely accused of violating the terms of their probation/parole. The complainant advised that when they attempted to contact the officer assigned to the investigation their calls were not returned. Received: June 18, 2014
Quadrant: South East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Declined
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-48 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they called police from a fire house after they were threatened by a neighbor. The complainant advised that they waited 3 hours for an officer to respond however an officer never responded. Received: June 03, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-49 A Negligent Driving complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that they observed a police car activate their emergency equipment and proceed through several intersections with red lights for no apparent reason while proceeding in the direction of the Public Safety Building. Received: June 24, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-50 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that an Officer seized their lap top in February and it has not been returned. Received: July 2, 2014
Quadrant: South East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-51 A Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer complaint was received through the mail by the Office of Police Ombuds. The Complainant advised that an Officer was verbally and physically assaultive towards another officer. Received: July 2, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Administratively Suspended
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: N/A
Officer Discipline: N/A
OPO: 14-52 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through Face Book by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant attempted to file a complaint through the OPO website however the filtering system prevented them from doing so. The complainant was concerned about the police department's lack of response to their calls reporting a drug house in their area. Received: July 2, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-53 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant was dissatisfied with a 3 hour response time to their call regarding a neighbor's child throwing a rock and striking and injuring the complainant's child. Received: July 2, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-54 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they overheard a comment made by an Officer regarding an individual's mental health that the complainant believed was inappropriate. Received: July 9, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-55 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they were assaulted by an employee at an automotive repair business and the police department did not pursue prosecution of the suspect. Received: July 18, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-56 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised they called the police for help regarding a civil matter involving a landlord-tenant situation where the tenant was removing furniture and damaging the property. Received: July 22, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-57 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant was involved in a situation with CPS. They advised that while talking with an officer, one of the parents of the children involved in the situation with CPS arrived at their location. The complainant advised that the driver had a suspended license. The officer acknowledged the individual was suspended, but took no enforcement action. Received: July 22, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-58 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer refused to take a stolen vehicle report from the complaint. The complainant advised that the officer told the complainant that the complainant had loaned their vehicle to a friend to transport drugs in and therefore the vehicle wasn't stolen. Received: July 23, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-59 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that they reported a theft and that no law enforcement action was taken, even after possible suspect information was provided to the police. Received: July 28, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-60 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised they called 9-1-1 regarding a neighbor who has a mental health condition and appeared to be having an episode in their front yard. The individual typically throws rocks and the complainant was concerned that the individual would either hit the complainant's house or a passerby with a rock. Received: July 29, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-61 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds through fax. The complainant called the police department regarding a problem with a neighbor and the neighbor's pets. The complainant was advised that a Neighborhood Conditions Officer (NCO) would contact the complainant. The complainant was not contacted by the NCO. Received: July 31, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-62 A Negligent Driving complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that while riding their bicycle on a city street they had to take evasive action to avoid being hit by a police car. Received: August 5, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-63 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that the police department refused to respond to their call of squatters breaking into a vacant house. Received: August 6, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-64 A Harassment complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds by phone. The complainant is transient. The complainant was resting behind a fast food restaurant downtown when they were contacted by officers and warned about trespassing. The complainant viewed the officers' action as harassment because the complainant is transient. Received: August 8, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-65 An Excessive Force complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they were arrested for a jay walking warrant. The complainant advised that they were forcefully taken to the ground after they stumbled over their flip flop sandals. Received: August 11, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-66 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complaint is regarding a murder investigation, the process and how the victim's next of kin were notified. Received: August 11, 2014
Quadrant: N/A
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-67 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they called Crime Check regarding an apartment complex where they suspected that drug sales were occurring on a regular basis. The complainant advised that they were advised by Crime Check that an officer would respond but no officer responded. The complainant advised that they then called back and were given a specific officer to call. The complainant advised they left a message for a specific officer but the officer never returned their call. Received: August 15, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-68 A Procedural complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant believes that the Police Department has directed Crime Check not to take reports from the complainant. Received: August 19, 2014
Quadrant: N/A
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-69 An Excessive Force complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that police responded to a disturbance at the complainant's residence. The complainant advised that when they ran from the officers the officers tackled the complainant injuring the complainant. Received: August 19, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-70 A Harassment complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an officer called the complainant and advised the complainant to stop calling 9-1-1 and Crime Check or they would be arrested for continuing to call. The complainant in #8 and # 9 are the same individual. Received: August 19, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-71 A Procedural complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant expressed their concern that Spokane Police department is using unmarked vehicles for traffic enforcement. Received: August 21, 2014
Quadrant: N/A
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-72 A Harassment complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that while they were seated on a stoop in front of a downtown apartment complex 2 officers contacted them. The complainant advised that the officers inquired as to why the complainant was there. The complainant advised that they told the officers they were smoking a cigarette before visiting a friend in the apartment complex. The complainant advised that the officers began lecturing the complainant about the sit and lie ordinance and then an officer gave the complainant a citation ($103.00) for smoking in public. The complainant felt that the officers targeted the complainant because the complainant is homeless. Received: August 21, 2014
Quadrant: South West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-73 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they made a report that someone had entered the complainant's apartment. The complainant advised that the next day 2 people from Mental Health contacted the complainant. The complainant thought the referral was inappropriate. Received: August 25, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-74 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they while they protesting the Sit and Lie ordinance they were contacted by a security guard and told they were in violation and had to move. The complainant refused and police were called. An Officer responded and threatened the complainant with arrest for trespassing if they didn't move an inch away from the building. Received: August 25, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-75 An Inadequate Response and Untruthfulness complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. A parked vehicle was struck by a passing motorist, and the suspect vehicle's license plate was left at the scene. The complainant advised that the officer failed to adequately investigate the hit and run collision. The complainant also advised that the officer misled them about the process and cost of obtaining a copy of their police report. Received: August 29, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Formal Investigation Completed
Ombuds Findings: Certified
Chief's Findings: (1) Sustained (2) Not Sustained
Officer Discipline: (1) Verbal Counseling
OPO: 14-76 An Inadequate Response and Untruthfulness complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised of inadequate officer response to a property theft. The complainant also advised that the officer misled them about stolen items being placed into a stolen property database. Received: August 29, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-77 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that an Officer failed to adequately investigate a restraining order violation before charging them with violating the order. Received: September 8, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-78 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds through a referral from the City Council. The complainant advised that as the result of an incomplete investigation they were arrested for domestic violence and they have lost custody and visitation of their child. Received: September 9, 2014
Quadrant: N/A
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-79 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that the police department has refused to respond to their complaints involving a neighbor. Received: September 9, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-80 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds through a referral from the Office of the Mayor. The complainant advised that an Officer gave a neighbor the complainant's name after the complainant called in an abandoned stolen vehicle that was parked in front of the complainant's house near a “drug house”. Received: September 9, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-81 A Harassment complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complaint indicated that they were stopped by an Officer because one of their tail lights was not working. The complainant advised the light was working. Received: September 13, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings:
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-82 A Harassment complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that the complaint's friend was stopped by an Officer about a week ago and given a ticket for not having insurance. The complainant advised that their friend was then stopped a week later and given a ticket for not transferring the title of the vehicle being driven. The vehicle driven in both situations was the same. The complainant advised the police were harassing the complainant's friend because the first officer should have either given their friend a ticket for both offenses or warned their friend to transfer the title of the vehicle. Received: September 24, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-83 An Inadequate Response and Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds by e mail. The complaint was regarding a lack of police response of to ongoing neighborhood problems. The complainant also advised that when an officer did respond, the officer yelled at the complainant from outside a residence. The complainant felt that the officer's actions put the complainant in danger by alerting the neighbors as to who called in the original report to the police. Received: October 9, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-84 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds .The complainant advised that they were the victim of an assault. The complainant advised that they called 9-1-1 from a downtown business phone and waited for a police officer for 45 minutes, but that an officer never responded. The complainant advised that they left the business and walked to a fire station to receive medical assistance. Received: October 9, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-85 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds.. The complainant advised that they were the victim of a home invasion. The complainant advised that they called Crime Check and were told that an officer would contact them. The complainant advised that they did receive a follow-up message from a dispatcher, but were never contacted by an officer. Received: October 9, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-86 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that their relative was assaulted and seriously injured in downtown Spokane. The complainant advised that the preliminary response by police appeared to be acceptable however the follow up investigation by the Detective Bureau does not appear to have been timely and appropriate. Received: October 13, 2014
Quadrant: N/A
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-87 A Demeanor complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that Officers refused to give the complainant their names and badge numbers after being contacted for sitting on the sidewalk. Received: October 14, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-88 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant was previously involved in a serious traffic collision. The complaint advised that police responded and investigated the collision. The complainant advised that officers told the complainant that the other at fault driver would be charged with two felonies, but the responsible party was not charged with any felonies. Received: October 17, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-89 A Harassment complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they were arrested for pedestrian obstruction for walking down the middle of the road when they were not obstructing traffic. Received: October 24, 2014
Quadrant: North East
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-90 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complaint advised that an officer’s incomplete investigation led to their arrest for the assault of a former employee. The complainant advised that the case was eventually dismissed by the Court however the process cost the complainant thousands of dollars in attorney and bail bonds fees. Received: November 6, 2014
Quadrant: North West
Status: Formal Investigation Completed
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: Ofc.1: (1) Exonerated, (2) Not Sustained; Ofc.2: Exonerated
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-91 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that officers were unwilling to meet with the complaint regarding death threats and a hate crime the complainant was attempting to report where the suspect’s identity is known. Received: November 6, 2014
Quadrant: N/W
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-92 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complaint was involved and arrested in a public demonstration a year ago. The complainant indicated that their arrest was treated as a training exercise. The complainant also felt that comments made by the processing officers were inappropriate. Received: November 17, 2014
Quadrant: S/W
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-93 A Procedural complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that their handgun was taken by the police for safekeeping and they are having difficulty getting their gun back from the police department. Received: November 19, 2014
Quadrant: N/A
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-94 An Inadequate Response complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complaint revolved around a residence search, the confiscation of property, personal property being damaged in the process and the officers’ demeanor. Received: December 1, 2014
Quadrant: S/W
Status: Administratively Suspended
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: N/A
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-95 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that they were contacted by officers based on their appearance. The complainant advised that they were harassed by 4 officers for tampering with a parking lot coin machine. Received: December 5, 2014
Quadrant: N/W
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-96 A Harassment complaint was received through the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that they received 2 parking tickets. The complainant advised that several other vehicles in the area were not ticketed. The complainant believes that he received the tickets because his neighbor(s) are police officers. Received: December 16, 2014
Quadrant: N/W
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-97 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that a Command Staff Officer refused to have officers investigate the alleged assault of the complainant, theft from the complainant and the alleged discrimination against the complainant. Received: December 17, 2014
Quadrant: N/W
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-98 An Inadequate Response complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds. The complainant advised that while they were sitting in the Public Defenders’ Office they were contacted by 2 officers and arrested on an outstanding assault warrant. The complainant advised that they had just come from the Public Safety Building where they filed the paperwork to recall the warrant. The complainant advised that they attempted to tell the officers but they would not listen. Received: December 17, 2014
Quadrant: N/W
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: Concur
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None
OPO: 14-99 A Harassment complaint was received by the Office of Police Ombuds website. The complainant advised that a vehicle drove by their residence in a suspicious/threatening manner and is believed to be a neighbor and a police officer. Received: December 20, 2014
Quadrant: N/W
Status: Closed as Investigative Inquiry
Ombuds Findings: N/A
Chief's Findings: Inquiry
Officer Discipline: None

Contact Information

Office of Police Ombuds
1st Floor, City Hall
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: 509.625.6742
Fax: 509.625.6748
Regular Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
opo@spokanecity.org

Bart Logue
Police Ombuds

Luvimae Omana
Deputy Ombuds

Christina Coty
Executive Assistant

Tim Szambelan
Police Ombuds Attorney