Police changes warranted

It seems the Spokane Police Department values protecting its police officers over the citizens of Spokane. Most Spokane police officers are very deserving of the respect and pay they receive; however, there have been several officers who deserved to be removed from the force and in some cases put behind bars.

Instead of being honest with the citizens of Spokane, the Police Department has covered up the truth. Therefore I suggest we voters refuse to support any police department funding increase or vote for any local leader who doesn’t support:

1. A strong, independent ombudsman for the Spokane Police Department;

2. Removing those who have been found to mislead prosecutors and other police investigators from paid positions and prosecute them if they broke any laws;

3. Refuse to pay individuals who have committed crimes against the citizens of Spokane.

We need to have change in the Spokane City Police Department now and not wait another five years. Those police officers who are ethical and want to serve the people of Spokane will applaud the above changes.

Shannon Ahern

Spokane