Authorities do best they can

In response to the article regarding Adama Walton’s death (“Sentence angers victim’s mother,” Feb. 3), my heart goes out to his family.

Detective Hollenbeck is absolutely correct when it comes to witnesses. They are terrified to testify. Or, in some cases, they solidify their standing in the gang by showing loyalty to the perpetrators. Obviously, the witnesses know what the perpetrators are capable of.

Spokane has a serious gang problem. These people are coming from L.A., Dallas and other large cities because Spokane has been ripe territory for crime and recruiting.

The article hints at prosecutorial and police deceitfulness. Unless you know the inner workings of how a case is handled from the crime to verdict to sentencing, you cannot pass judgment on them. Our law enforcement and prosecutor’s gang units are committed, hard-working individuals who routinely put in more hours than they are paid for.

Yes, the police use “tactics.” It’s the “T” in SWAT. That does not mean these “tactics” are illegal or a violation of the suspect’s constitutional rights.

We must support our law enforcement agencies and be grateful for their hard work. They do the best job they can within the parameters of our justice system.

Lesley Haskell

Airway Heights