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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Stephens named interim police chief

Spokane Police Major Scott Stephens takes questions after Mayor David Condon names him the interim Police Chief at a press conference Tuesday Jan. 3, 2012.  (Christopher Anderson / The Spokesman-Review)
Spokane Police Major Scott Stephens takes questions after Mayor David Condon names him the interim Police Chief at a press conference Tuesday Jan. 3, 2012. (Christopher Anderson / The Spokesman-Review)

(Top) Scott Stephens takes questions after Mayor David Condon names him the interim police chief at a press conference Tuesday. (Bottom right) Former Spokane police Chief Roger Bragdon, right, and Lt. Joe Walker, center, listen during a press conference where Condon, far left, appointed Stephens. (SRphotos/Christopher Anderson)

A 26-year veteran of the Spokane Police Department will lead the troubled agency, at least for the next few months.

On his first business day as Spokane’s mayor, David Condon appointed Major Scott Stephens interim police chief, and announced plans to review the department’s use-of-force policies and training.

Stephens replaces Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, who retired effective Monday, at a time of low morale and deep division within the department.

Read the rest of Jon Brunt's story here.



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