Zehm Action Stuns Spokane Police

It’s been a tough week for the Spokane Police Department after one of their most respected officers was indicted by a grand jury for using excessive force against Otto Zehm three years ago. Rank and file officers are reeling from the indictment of one of their own by the federal grand jury and just like any football team that has a good offense but can’t seem to win a game the department has had their confidence shaken. “He’s the poster child of policing .if you want a picture of a professional officer it’s Karl,” Spokane Police Department Chaplain Ron Alter said. Karl Thompson is so respected by his fellow officers that when Chief Roger Bragdon resigned the rank and file circulated a petition asking that Thompson, a patrolman, be elevated to take his place/ KXLY . More here .

• City attorney limits lawyer’s role in Zehm case w/o telling council /Jonathan Brunt & Thomas Clouse
• As city bungles Zehm case, Apple shows some polish /Doug Clark, SR
• Officer has lengthy, varied career /Mike Prager, SR

Question: The Zehm case, of course, has stirred the public like few others. Does your view of this case change after reading the comments above re: Karl Thompson’s sterling police record?