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February 10, 2010 in City, Region
Kirkpatrick watching Seattle search but quiet on plans
Newspaper reports Spokane’s police chief a likely finalist
Spokane police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, photographed in August 2009, is said to be interested in the Seattle police chief job, the Seattle Times is reporting.
(Full-size photo)
Spokane Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick told The Seattle Times that she is closely monitoring the search for a new Seattle chief, but avoided saying if she plans to apply for the open job.
Last year Kirkpatrick applied for the top job in San Francisco’s police department, but downplayed the action and argued that as a woman leading a large department, she’s often recruited.
On Wednesday, the Times reported that Kirkpatrick and interim Seattle Police Chief John Diaz are considered top candidates for the job. Even so, applications haven’t been accepted yet and finalists aren’t expected to be selected until May, the newspaper reported.
The position opened last year after President Obama picked Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as his administration’s drug czar.
When asked if she plans to pursue the Seattle job, Kirkpatrick told the Times, “right now I serve Spokane,” adding that Spokane has her “complete devotion.”
She also noted, however, that she is paying close attention to the search process because she was a longtime Seattle resident and still has a house in the city.
It’s that tie to Seattle that worries Spokane City Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin.
“I would hate, hate to lose her,” McLaughlin said. “This one concerns me a little bit because she has roots on the other side of the state.”
Attempts made to reach Kirkpatrick Wednesday were unsuccessful.
While support for the chief has been mixed on the police force, Kirkpatrick enjoys broad support from city leaders, who credit her with making officers more accountable and improving ties to the community.
“We feel Chief Kirkpatrick has done a remarkable job,” said City Administrator Ted Danek. “We’re aware of what her career goals are. We hope we can retain her.”
City Council President Joe Shogan, who leads the council’s Public Safety Committee, said he continues to have confidence in Kirkpatrick’s leadership.
“I felt bad the first time she applied” for another job, Shogan said. “Now it appears that she has her own career objectives in mind and they don’t involve staying in Spokane.”
Even so, Shogan said that he doesn’t believe the department has been hurt by rumors circulating about Kirkpatrick’s future in Spokane.
“I would hate to see her go,” Shogan said. “But this department is more than one person.”
McLaughlin said that the chief should have the right to consider other jobs.
“I believe she can still serve Spokane 100 percent and still keep her feelers out there,” McLaughlin said.
Before becoming chief in Spokane, Kirkpatrick led the police forces in Federal Way and Ellensburg.
After Spokane’s Center for Justice last year reported that Kirkpatrick applied for the San Francisco job, the chief e-mailed a memo to the department. In it, she argued that as a woman, recruiters often target her for chief positions.
“San Francisco is a world-class city, it has 3,000 employees in the department, and the salary was around $280,000,” Kirkpatrick wrote. “I was honored to be recruited and so, yes, I applied.”
MAC faces angry crowd 
lewis8457 on February 10 at 9:01 a.m.
Best thing she can do is get out of this town. Before her credentials are completely ruined. Good luck!
SpokaneIsFun on February 10 at 9:13 a.m.
Spokane need something to bring the police department and the citizens together.
lewis8457 on February 10 at 9:22 a.m.
Police need accountability the first step in achieving that is getting Steve Tucker out of office. Every cop in this town knows the county prosecutor will not file charges on them so some of them break the law with out a care in the world. That attitude as distanced law-abiding citizens from the very people employed to up hold the law. With out accountability, the citizen base will never have the respect they should have for our men and women in blue.
BigE on February 10 at 9:34 a.m.
I have never been impressed with Ann.
Let her go, maybe Mayor Verner would like to go with her, offer a two for one deal.
She waffles on issues, protects her own and like our Mayor thinks she is doing an outstanding job.
eagleproducer on February 10 at 9:37 a.m.
So let me get this straight: According to law enforcement officials, a “no nonsense approach” involves not disciplining fellow officers involved in the death of a person in their custody, a death that is eventually ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner?
Kirkpatrick’s name will keep appearing for these vacancies because she is part of two under-represented cohorts in police management circles. It’s the law enforcement version of the NFL’s Rooney Rule.
madscientist on February 10 at 9:48 a.m.
Lewis said it best. the cops are not scared and feel they can do anthing. because they know they will not be prosecuted. I wish I could drive like that, with no sirens on mind you, without having to worry.
Scoutster on February 10 at 9:54 a.m.
Other than some cosmetic changes, it is difficult to see any true difference Kirkpatrick has made since being here. She seemed to join the natives early on and, while talking a great game of openness and accountability, the force appears as out of control now as when she arrived. I’m not sure that is all her fault or responsibility, but a narrative that says she has made a huge difference to Spokane just isn’t warranted by the facts.
huskerinwa on February 10 at 10:10 a.m.
Time to let Anne go, so she can concentrate on finding her “dream job”. You can’t run this police department with confidence when your trying to get another job. Go climb that ladder on someone elses dime Anne. We should begin the process of replacing her now.
twobit on February 10 at 10:14 a.m.
she gets many job offers everyday
lewis8457 on February 10 at 11:31 a.m.
I had a nice ride home again last night got behind one off duty cop and one Washington exempt truck leaving the safety building 45 mph up Monroe is almost scary. But it was a quick ride home.
The cops wont even stop for my dog and me when we are trying to cross a street at the corner.
Kirkpatrick is a manager with no power. She has the guild to deal with and a good old boy club. She cannot discipline with out the guilds OK. She has to accept the fact she is nothing more then a puppet for the city, with people throwing crap her way regularly. That in it self would have me looking for a job too.
She hasn’t stuck to her 5 rules but I am willing to look past that when I know how corrupt the city administration and the police guild are.
She took the job after Otto was killed so I don’t hold her to any judgment about that I am more upset our Mayor said his killing was justified. After all Kirkpatrick is an employee and if her new boss says the killing was justified what can Kirkpatrick do, besides argue and get fired for her trouble.
I was hoping when she came on that she could help the issues but after learning about the corruption of the Guild and City for the last 3 years I cannot hold her accountable for much.
Get out while you can Kirkpatrick but if i was you i would not move to Seattle. Too damn many cop killers there.
Albert on February 10 at 12:14 p.m.
SixandSeven has said it all. Why would anyone want to inherit a powerless job called Chief of Police? What an absolute joke.
Chopper34 on February 10 at 12:42 p.m.
I’m sure she gets offers all the time. She gets them because she is good at what she does. Period.
I’m sick of people complaining about the Spokane Police Department. Most people who don’t like them have been on the wrong side of the law and are just bitter because they got caught.
Sixandseven you’re a fool. Learn the facts and the outcomes of things before you post anything.
huskerinwa on February 10 at 1:22 p.m.
I’m sure she gets offers, however she has pursued at least 2. We need a leader that is more focused on their job & not trying to get another one.
Chopper34 on February 10 at 1:27 p.m.
So, Really, if someone offered you a job that paid you more money you’d wouldn’t entertain the thought? She’s very focused on her job.
Liberty_Bell on February 10 at 1:34 p.m.
And those 54 “Brady” Cop’s in Seattle?
What will that Guild do, when 54 get guilded?
Car 54 report to the firing squad room, the new Chief has your termination papers ready!
ChefGus/ John Olsen on February 10 at 1:38 p.m.
All one need do is look at her record.. and it is appalling.. appalling … five big time “rules” none of which she is able to envorce…. because of the guild’s grip on our city.. she has had an impossible job.. with an intransigient police guild and a very very innefective County Prosecutor… sad sad sad for spokane and for Mr Levy and Otto and Shonto, and and and.. small time stuff does not even rise to the surface. and the New Obmudsman thinks All Is Well.. give me a break.. where are the Men/ Marines here?? no cajones and no ethics.. Sad tosay.. but Chief Ann was right Spokane has a bunch of Wienies for citizens.. she said it in public at a rotary meeting two years ago.. and it resonates.. and reverberates every day.. john adios and bonne chance… get outta here while your reputation is somewhat intact.. j
Liberty_Bell on February 10 at 1:49 p.m.
Don’t worry ChefGus,
Coming soon, from a liar, Kitsap County, we love it!
SB 6590, from a whole lot of liars of their own!
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
4 NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 43.101 RCW
5 to read as follows:
6 The legislature finds that the recent decision of the Washington
7 state supreme court in Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild v. Kitsap
8 County, No. 80720-5 (2009) may limit the ability of employers to
9 terminate law enforcement officers for acts of dishonesty and
10 untruthfulness. The supreme court concluded that state law lacks a
11 statute or other clear expression of public policy that a law
12 enforcement officer should be honest and truthful. The legislature
13 intends to amend state law to include an “explicit, well-defined, and
14 dominant public policy” that law enforcement officers should be honest
15 and truthful by clarifying that an arbitrator shall not overturn the
16 decision of an employer to terminate a law enforcement officer for
17 engaging in an act or acts of dishonesty or untruthfulness unless the
18 arbitrator finds that the law enforcement officer was not dishonest nor
19 untruthful.
Liberty_Bell on February 10 at 1:50 p.m.
Some new employment opportunities coming soon to a Crown Victoria near you!
Diana on February 10 at 2:00 p.m.
@Chopper34: Tell it to Otto Zehm.
Liberty_Bell on February 10 at 2:02 p.m.
Only a Washington State Police Officer would need a law passed for being a criminal, from one of the oldest law books known!
“Though shall not lie!”
“Truth will ultimately prevail, where there are steps taken to bring it to light.”
George Washington
Chopper34 on February 10 at 2:31 p.m.
Diana : She was hired after Otto Zehm died.
liarsinnews on February 10 at 4:33 p.m.
I also remember, the firefighter who had sexual intercourse with a 16 year old girl at a fire station off Indian Trail, and he walked. Not only that, subsequently, he did the very same crime in California and I think he was charged. The 16 year old in California, unfortunately was raped and, it may not have happened if the Chief in Spokane would have charged the firefighter. I will continue to wear my OTTO pin until there is justice. Good riddance to the Chief.
Diana on February 10 at 5:13 p.m.
@chopper34
“I’m sick of people complaining about the Spokane Police Department. Most people who don’t like them have been on the wrong side of the law and are just bitter because they got caught.”
As I said. Tell it to Otto Zehm.
Orange on February 10 at 6:18 p.m.
Wow, how a story’s intent went way south. Anne, good luck in your search for a new, challenging, and meaningful job. You did what you could here.
Shylock13 on February 10 at 7:08 p.m.
To me, the biggest problem those of us in Spokane face is the anemic, idiotic county prosecutor! He is the one responsible for NOT following up on cases involving Spokane police! Also, he has screwed up a significant number of other cases!! When he comes up for re-election, please vote for someone else. Also, our elected city officials, as well as the Police Chief, and certainly the county prosecutor, seem to be afraid of the Police Guild. Why? I do not know who runs the Guild, but I do know that nearly all police officers in Spokane are honest, hard-working protectors of the public! Condemning all for the wrongful acts of a very few is disgraceful and unfair.
Scoutster on February 10 at 7:16 p.m.
The many are condemned because of the few because the many protect the few behind the thin blue line. THAT is what’s disgraceful.
Chopper34 on February 10 at 7:17 p.m.
Diana: Again, how does the Otto Zehm case reflect negatively on the Chief? That occurred before she was hired.
D Statler on February 10 at 8:02 p.m.
I cannot believe anybody condones the behavior of Spokanes police force or the corrupt prosecutors office. I guess I am glad you are few.Your votes will easily be overcome by lifelong residents of Spokane that are ashamed. You can darn well believe I will be voting in November. I also wish the best for Chief Kirkpatric.Her chances are slim to none after the debacle her department has made for her and her record. She has proven to be a very caring citizen and a very weak leader. Thanks for the effort she has given. Anything short of a house cleaning will never work. Brean Beggs might be the logical choice for the new direction.
sixandseven on February 10 at 10:03 p.m.
The Spokesman removes my posts because they are afraid of someone exercising their opinion.
jumpinbeans on February 11 at 5:19 a.m.
This city is run by municipal unions. Having a pathetic prosecutor makes it worse. I’ve been embarrassed and angry at what little the citizens of our city can do. We CAN vote Tucker OUT!
Pat O'Leary on February 11 at 5:41 a.m.
chopper34 Apparently you have not noticed her support for the attempted cover-up by asst-chief Nicks and her support for Otto’s killer. Maybe that is why many in Spokane think her get-tough policies are a sham. Give her to Seattle and good riddance. Let her go and she can be the supporter of all the out of control Seattle cops. Maybe she can also take our worthless prosecutor with her.
Diana on February 11 at 7:44 a.m.
@chopper34
“I’m sick of people complaining about the Spokane Police Department. Most people who don’t like them have been on the wrong side of the law and are just bitter because they got caught.”
Was Otto one one those people you refer to? I know he got caught buying a Mountain Dew and a candy bar, but still.
Chopper34 on February 11 at 8:45 a.m.
My last thought:
Who would you call when you are having the worst moment in your life? Who are you going to call when, God forbid, someone should try and break into your house? When you see someone steal something from your business who are you going to call? The next time you see someone trying to lure children, who do you call?
Since you think the police force is appalling and nothing but a bunch of thugs, I hope you have a backup phone number. I know who I’m going to call.
Since I am not going to change my mind and no one else is going to change theirs, I wish you all well. I guess I’ll agree we disagree.
lewis8457 on February 11 at 8:49 a.m.
“Who would you call when you are having the worst moment in your life? Who are you going to call when, God forbid, someone should try and break into your house? When you see someone steal something from your business who are you going to call? The next time you see someone trying to lure children, who do you call?”
I would call Smith & Wesson
huskerinwa on February 11 at 9:43 a.m.
She’s a good cop, but the constant distractions of job opportunities have made her a lame duck.
Anne Kilpatrick is leaving ASAP.
City, get off your backside & find her repacement.
SugarShane on February 11 at 10:09 a.m.
@Lewis
Damn, you beat me to that one, I love that line.
Nothing that a few good rounds cant solve. Just ask the SPD.