As the Chief of the Spokane Police Department, it is my obligation to hold all employees, police officers and civilians, to the highest ethical and professional standards. Unethical and unprofessional conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

On May 7, 2013, an Internal Affairs Investigation of Spokane Police Officer Darrell Quarles was initiated. The investigation and an administrative hearing determined that Police Officer Quarles violated the following Spokane Police Department policies:

  1. Policy 340.3.5 (t) – Officer Quarles, while off-duty, associated with a woman who had engaged in, or was engaged in, serious violations of state law (prostitution, use of methamphetamine, and burglary), and had knowledge of her criminal activities.
  2. Policy 340.3.5 (c) – Officer Quarles conducted an unauthorized inquiry of Spokane Police Department records to determine the status of a criminal investigation of her activities.

Officer Quarles signed a Last Chance Agreement, which is the most serious level of discipline, short of termination. The agreement outlines very specific conditions that Officer Quarles must meet during the next year in order to remain a Spokane Police Officer.

The conditions of the agreement are as follows:

  • 60-day suspension without pay and the loss of health and other benefits during the period of his suspension.
  • Upon his return to duty, Officer Quarles will work under the direct supervision of a senior police officer, corporal, or other supervisor to ensure that he complies with all department policies, procedures and ethical canons. Officer Quarles will not be allowed to work any shift or special detail independently (without direct supervision).
  • Officer Quarles must successfully complete ethics and other specified training as directed by the Department. Additionally, Officer Quarles will participate in specific community service assignments that reinforce the Spokane Police Department's commitment to protect and serve the Spokane community.
  • If Officer Quarles engages in any act of serious misconduct or fails to successfully meet all of the conditions defined in the Last Chance Agreement he will be terminated immediately.

During the period of the Last Chance Agreement, and during the rest of his career, Officer Quarles will be held accountable to demonstrating the highest standards of policing and adhering to the values and ethical canons of the Spokane Police Department.