2010 Annual Report Recommendations

Recommendation Status
Police Administration conduct an internal study to identify which employees currently assigned take home vehicles have a direct response obligation to a call out and that policy be developed that meets community and Department needs while reducing the cost to the community. Pending
The Police Department Policy Manual be placed on the Police Department website in a redacted format. The SPD Policy Manual can now be accessed from the SPD home page.
The City of Spokane negotiates with the Police Guild as required by law to allow for all completed internal affairs investigations to become public records in a redacted format. All closed redacted Internal Affairs complaints will be posted to the SPD website. Currently, most of the 2011 investigations are available with more to come as they are redacted.
Voluntary interviews be requested to take place as soon as practical after a Critical Incident has occurred. Pending
When an Officer(s) is involved in a Critical Incident that the Officer(s) be required to submit to a chemical test as soon as practical after a the incident. Pending
Video cameras be installed on tasers used by Police personnel to ensure that tasers are used only when necessary and appropriate. Cameras to be worn on officer uniforms - in progress.
Installation of in car video equipment into Police cars be a high priority for the Office of the Mayor, the Office of the Chief of Police and the Police Guild during contract negotiations in 2011 and that an interdisciplinary committee be formed to develop an implementation plan. Cameras to be worn on officer uniforms - in progress.

2010 Recommendations

Recommendation Status
As new patrol vehicles are purchased, rear seat belts be a mandatory equipment requirement in the purchase, and when those vehicles are phased into patrol for use, that those Officers assigned to those vehicles be required to seat belt prisoners when transporting them. Seatbelting Prisoners - SPD Response (PDF 26 KB)
Corporal guidelines on photographing victims of sexual crimes. Policy has been developed and will be published in the next Policy and Procedure Manual update.
Policy/procedure be put in place to address parental/legal guardian notification in instances where a weapon is displayed to a juvenile during the detention process. Addressed on a case-by-case basis due to privacy rights and varying circumstances addressed at roll call training.
Notification of the circumstances for a student's detention to the principal of the school the student(s) attend(s) in the event that the detention occurs during school hours. Addressed on a case-by-case basis due to privacy rights and varying circumstances addressed at roll call training.
The Police Department be proactive in making High School and Junior High School Administrations aware of the training curriculum and proactively pursue providing this training to all of the students who attend those schools. Training previously developed; the Spokane Police Department recently sent a letter to the Superintendent of Schools encouraging presentation of this program to school staff.
Policy restricting use of cell phones by Police while driving. Policy already exists; email sent to Senior Staff as reminder.
Request that dispatchers not have citizens step outside to check on calls involving possible violence. Notification to SPD dispatchers explaining issue and concerns, as well as direction to not continue practice (if ongoing).
Training for Patrol on noise ordinance issues as it relates to street performers. Additional training provided to Patrol Unit.
Training for Officers in release of information to employers not directly involved in Police event (ie., traffic ticket notification to employers). Officers have been notified that absent a legitimate business concern, business owners should not be advised of enforcement action taken against their employees.
Recommendation that Neighborhood Resource Officers (NROs) work with and notify COPS shops volunteers when they will be off for extended leave. Expectation has been forwarded to all Neighborhood Resource Officers.

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

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Police Ombuds

Luvimae Omana
Deputy Ombuds

Christina Coty
Executive Assistant

Tim Szambelan
Police Ombuds Attorney