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Internal probes don’t work

The Spokesman-Review

Now that Spokane Police Officer Karl Thompson has been indicted on federal charges, will the city finally realize that police internal investigations aren’t working? It is embarrassing to the citizens of Spokane that it takes a federal prosecutor to see that this city and its current investigative process will never seek justice for Otto Zehm and his family.

It is interesting that the city recently announced the selection of Tim Burns, a former police officer, as the new police ombudsman and has no intention of giving this office independent investigative authority.

This move will just continue more of the same for Spokane: police investigating police and clearing themselves. Now is the time for real change and real accountability for the Spokane Police Department.

Teresa Torosian

Spokane



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