The headline of Friday's story, "Police admit inaccurate account of fatal beating," was so large. Why is that – does The Spokesman have a personal vendetta against Acting Police Chief Jim Nicks, or is it just that the National Inquirer tactics are a way to lure customers to get the paper?

Headlines of this large print on the front of paper are reserved for national stories such as a war. Yes – it is an important story and a real tragedy that Mr. Zehm died, but it appears you are in a personal struggle to prove the chief wrong and then gloat about it in a tabloidish manner. Both Sunday's editorial ("Credibility zapped") and Doug Clark's article ("Acting chief failed to act responsibly") prove that.

To understand and appreciate the world in which our police officers work in the nighttime, I suggest you spend some time in their shoes before you are so quick to judge. Sensationalizing this story is a tragedy!

I believe the officers and chief deserve support. They are working hard every day to help make this a safe community. Yes, grave mistakes were made, but until you walk a mile in their shoes, it may be difficult to be a fair judge.

Philip Eager
Spokane

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