2012 Annual Report Recommendations

Recommendation Status
Implement a School Resource Officers Program. The Spokane Police Department had a School Resource Officer Program through 2006 and it was eliminated due to budgetary constraints. There could be great mutual benefits to working collaboratively with the School District to advance this idea. Police Department currently in discussions with School District 81 concerning school security issues.
Improve service delivery related to Public Records Requests. While Police Department records meet the mandatory obligation, service delivery can be greatly improved through increase in staffing or technology. Police Department has updated automation software and is scheduled to have backlog caught up by summer 2013.
Discuss a Medical Examiner inquest process for Spokane County to promote transparency when an officer involved death occurs. N/A
Create an investigative position in the County Prosecutor's Office for the most high profile and serious criminal investigations involving law enforcement personnel to add a layer of independence to the current process. N/A

2012 Recommendations

Recommendation Status
Create a policy requiring that all voided citations be reviewed and approved by a supervisor before a citation can be voided for cause. Most citations are SECTOR/electronically mailed to Department of Licensing directly from the patrol car; SPD will direct Patrol to have supervisor void paper citations.
Once contract negotiations are completed between the City and the Guild and a contract is ratified by the Guild, the Ombuds recommends that the City and the Guild reopen negotiations to discuss the removal of the language that allows for Officers to be in compliance of the labor agreement with a .04 Blood Alcohol level or less. Pending
Amend existing policy regarding Officer demeanor to allow for members of the Department to use profanity in the performance of their duties where necessary to establish control or to quote another person in reports or in testimony. Members of the Department shall not be permitted to use epithets or terms that tend to denigrate any particular gender, race, nationality, sexual orientation, ethnic or religious group, except when necessary to quote another person in reports or in testimony. Most citations are SECTOR/electronically mailed to Department of Licensing directly from the patrol car; SPD will direct Patrol to have supervisor void paper citations.
Create a policy to provide for complainant call back when a Police response to their complaint has been cancelled by a patrol supervisor or communications supervisor This is already in police communications standards of practice; Police Department will ensure this is occurring.
Create a policy to address when a member of the Police Department adjusts or repositions video equipment for Officer safety precautions (OPO Attorney recommendation). Police Department expects officers to notify the owner of the property as a courtesy, but SPD believes creating a policy would require unnecessary report writing time and reduce availability of officers.
Create a policy to address when a member of the Department damages someone's property intentionally or unintentionally. Provide the property owner with written notification on how to file a claim for compensation with the City. Police Department concurs; in progress.
Training bulletin regarding control of public sidewalks be provided to Police Department personnel. Police Department requests more information.
Improve the phone equipment at the front desk of the Public Safety Building to ensure that people calling are not automatically placed in a hold position or left on hold for extended periods of time. It was further recommended that conversations be recorded. Police Department will work with the City of Spokane's Management Information Services. Washington State law requires two-party consent and requires storage of recordings, redaction and significant work for requests.
Require that all internal affairs investigations be recorded with the consent of the involved parties regardless of whether the investigation is being conducted by internal affairs staff or other staff. Police Department will provide Patrol Sergeants with recorders to be used as an option. Mandatory recording for Internal Affairs. This issue is one of training for the Sergeants as well as use of resources.
Require that all personnel who have been trained and demonstrated proficiency in the use of a baton and taser carry the tool on their person throughout their tour of duty. Police Department concurs; exceptions only in unusual circumstances.
Create a formal operations agreement between the Spokane Police Department and the U. S. Border Patrol that clearly identifies and defines the relationship between the two agencies and how they will utilize each other's resources. Border patrol has changed their internal policies which addresses this issue.
Track and report when U. S. Border Patrol assistance has been requested by Spokane Police Department personnel or when they appear on scene without having been requested. Border patrol has changed their internal policies which addresses this issue.
The Citizen Inquiry process not be used for potential excessive force complaints or where physical force is applied in an arrest situation and the person arrested (or someone who witnessed the application of force) makes a complaint. Also, Police supervisors advise the individuals they speak with during the Citizen Inquiry process that if they are not satisfied with the Citizen Inquiry process, they can file a complaint with the Internal Affairs Unit or the Office of Police Ombuds. Should be addressed by Department of Justice review of Police Department's Use of Force investigative policy.
Members of the Police Department receive training on traumatic brain injury through a Department training bulletin or other source. Topic included in Spring 2012 In-Service training.
Police Department Records accelerate the redaction of closed Internal Affairs investigations for release and placement on the Spokane Police Department or Office of Police Ombuds website. Implemented/Completed
Police Department work with the tow industry, their association, City Legal and City Council to create an ordinance to regulate the tow truck rotation tow list process. Implemented/Completed

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