Police warned to limit comments
The Spokane County prosecutor’s office has asked local law enforcement to be more careful about what information is released during criminal investigations, officials said Wednesday.
The reminder was prompted by comments during the query into Spokane police Sgt. Dan Torok’s fatal shooting of 33-year-old Jerome Alford, officials said. However, officials would not say specifically what information they considered potentially damaging.
“This comes up every once in awhile,” said Chief Criminal Prosecutor Jack Driscoll. “They could get us in trouble down the line if they make improper statements,” which could cause a trial to be relocated to another county.
The Sheriff’s Office has led the Torok investigation, which has been forwarded to the prosecutor for a decision.
Spokane authorities were asked to follow the guidelines set by Bench-Bar-Press, a group formed to foster better working relationships among lawyers, judges, law-enforcement officers and the media, as well as greater understanding about preserving a suspect’s right to a fair trial.
According to the guidelines, it would be considered appropriate for law enforcement to release the following information about a person awaiting trial on criminal charges:
“Name, age, residence, employment, marital status and similar background information. There should be no restraint on biographical facts other than accuracy, good taste and judgment.
“The substance or text of the charge, such as complaint, indictment, information, and where appropriate, the identity of the complaining party.
“The identity of the investigating and arresting agency and the length of the investigation.
“The circumstances immediately surrounding an arrest, including the time and place of arrest, resistance, pursuit, possession and use of weapons, and a description of items seized at the time of arrest.
What should be considered inappropriate for public release prior to trial, includes:
“Opinions about a defendant’s character, his guilt or innocence.
“Admissions, confessions or the contents of a statement or alibis attributable to a defendant.
“References to the results of investigative procedures, such as fingerprints, polygraph examinations, ballistic tests, or laboratory tests.
“Statements concerning the credibility or anticipated testimony of prospective witnesses.
“The guideline applies across the board on any investigation that will be coming to the prosecutor’s office,” Driscoll said.
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan said the details in criminal investigations will eventually be given to the public, “really it’s only a matter of time,” he said.