Mayor announces police oversight forums

Series of public engagement opportunities planned

Brian Coddington, Communications Director, 509.625.6740

Monday, December 2, 2013 at 11:59 a.m.

A series of public safety forums is planned over the next two weeks to give the public an opportunity to engage in the discussion about improvements to the Spokane Police Department and police oversight.

Spokane Mayor David Condon will discuss at each of the public forums a model for police oversight that provides unprecedented civilian oversight; assures investigative transparency, integrity and independence; and impacts discipline. The discussion is a continuation of the broader conversation about public safety over the past two years.

“Everyone is working toward a common goal of enhancing citizen oversight and improving police services,” said Mayor David Condon. “This will make Spokane a model for civilian police oversight.”

All three forums are open to the public. Condon will:

  • Host a telephone town hall discussion seeking broad input on public safety on Thursday at 6 p.m. Citizens can dial into the meeting at 888.409.5380.
  • Discuss the approach with the Community Assembly on Friday at 4 p.m. in the Council Briefing Center in the lower level of City Hall.
  • Host a town hall meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt Street.

There are three steps to enhancing civilian oversight: voter approval of the police ombudsman commission; negotiating a contact with the Spokane Police Guild; and enacting an ordinance that defines the duties and powers of the ombudsman commission.

“Our goal is arriving at a transparent solution that improves police services for our customers,” Condon said.