Spokane7
65°
August 21, 2011 in City
Council late to get Zehm news
City attorney’s office had long known of assistant chief’s changed viewpoint
A majority of Spokane City Council members say they weren’t told until this month that the city’s assistant police chief believes officers violated department policies in the beating of a man who died after a confrontation in 2006.
But city attorneys likely knew at least by September 2009 that Assistant Chief Jim Nicks had changed his view of the incident that resulted in the death of Otto Zehm; that’s when federal prosecutors filed court documents saying Nicks might testify as their witness.
City attorneys surely knew by March 2010 – more than a year before council members say they were informed – because that’s when federal prosecutors filed documents showing that Nicks believed that his officers violated department policy and that the police investigation was flawed.
Zehm, 36, an unarmed janitor who suffered from schizophrenia, was confronted by police in a north Spokane convenience store in March 2006 after he was mistakenly suspected of stealing money. He died two days after he was beaten, hogtied and shocked with a Taser.
Six council members – Steve Corker, Nancy McLaughlin, Richard Rush, Jon Snyder, Joe Shogan and Amber Waldref – said they were unaware of Nicks’ changed assessment of the incident until they were briefed by city attorneys last week. Councilman Bob Apple said he remembered being told before last week but that city attorneys dismissed Nicks’ opinions because they believed he wasn’t an expert on the use of force.
Two council members whose terms ended in 2009 – Mike Allen and Al French – also said there were unaware of Nicks’ revised view until last week.
“Either the city attorney’s office was withholding information from the mayor or the mayor was withholding information from City Council, and neither one of those look good,” Allen said.
Rush said he doesn’t believe there was a legal obligation to tell the council about developments in the case, because the mayor is in charge of responding to litigation. However, he said the council should have been told about Nicks’ position much earlier, in part, because the council was asked to approve up to $200,000 of taxpayer money to hire an attorney to represent Officer Karl Thompson Jr. in a civil suit filed by Zehm’s estate and family.
“I fail to appreciate the reasoning for that information not being made available to council,” Rush said.
Waldref said it would have been good to know earlier but noted that the civil case has been put on hold pending the criminal trial.
“I’m not sure how this would impact the decisions the City Council could make,” Waldref said.
Snyder said the council should have been briefed earlier because Nicks’ assessment creates a conflict of interest in the case. Snyder said he believes the city should have gotten a separate attorney to represent Nicks in the civil case as soon as officials understood his testimony conflicted with the city’s stance.
“It creates a situation where Nicks needs to be indemnified and have his own separate attorney, and that’s our responsibility,” Snyder said.
Administrators didn’t ask the council to provide Nicks with a separate attorney until earlier this month. The council is scheduled to vote Monday on whether to hire an outside attorney.
Nicks, police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick and Mayor Mary Verner declined interview requests on the topic last week. Verner announced in a news release Tuesday that she had directed city attorneys to work toward a settlement in the Zehm civil case.
Verner declined to answer any questions emailed to her last week by The Spokesman-Review, including questions about when she first learned about Nicks’ concerns and why Nicks didn’t get separate representation earlier.
Instead, she issued a statement noting that the city is not a party to the criminal case and that the civil case has been on hold since 2009 while the criminal case has moved forward.
“At this point, this matter is in active litigation – both as a civil case involving the city and a federal criminal case with a trial that’s set to get under way in less than two months. This week, I expressed my desire to move the civil case forward, and I will carry out that work. Beyond that, we must allow the process to run its course,” Verner said in the statement. “The federal criminal trial should sort out the facts and any potential competing testimony and provide a more complete picture for all of us. The community, the defendant, and surely Mrs. Zehm (Otto Zehm’s mother, Anne) deserve a fair hearing of the facts in the criminal trial.”
Verner also noted that once the cases are resolved, the city will conduct a “thorough internal investigation.”
While documents from 2009 and 2010 show the city attorney’s office surely knew Nicks’ stance in 2009 and 2010, it’s likely that the city attorney’s office understood Nicks’ position in 2008. Federal prosecutors filed a document this month detailing Nicks’ thoughts on the Zehm case based on testimony he gave to a federal grand jury in November 2008.
Although grand jury testimony is closed to the public, nothing would have prevented city attorneys from talking to Nicks about his 2008 testimony, especially since they represented him at the time in the federal civil case.
Federal prosecutors, in fact, wrote in court filings that Assistant City Attorney Rocky Treppiedi was debriefing Police Department witnesses before and after their grand jury testimony. In any case, city attorneys had discussed the case with Nicks at least by September 2009, because the assistant city attorney filed a declaration from Nicks at that time in the civil case. (That declaration does not touch on Nicks’ opinions of officer conduct.)
It’s not clear when Nicks came to his conclusion that Thompson, who continues to work as a senior police officer, violated department policy.
But Nicks’ notes on the case, which were made public in Thompson’s criminal case, hint that he started having reservations about the investigation at least by August 2006. That’s when he learned there was more security video footage of the incident, a fact known by some subordinates but not relayed to him. He also expressed concern that Assistant Chief Al Odenthal knew for about two weeks without telling Nicks that a mask had been placed over Zehm’s face during the incident to prevent Zehm from spitting.
Nicks, who was the acting police chief when the confrontation with Zehm took place, discussed the problems with his predecessor, Chief Roger Bragdon. His notes say he discussed his conversation with Bragdon in a meeting about the Zehm case with Mayor Dennis Hession.
“Also shared with them my discussion with Bragdon that he was aware of the investigative chain of command weakness and elected to micromanage the division vs. making wholesale changes,” Nicks’ notes say.
Despite Nicks’ growing reservations about the incident, and the fact that they’re representing Nicks in the civil case, city attorneys continued to argue vigorously in court that officers did not violate policy.
Besides voting on the hiring of an outside attorney for Nicks, the City Council on Monday will decide if it will rescind the city police ombudsman’s authority to investigate alleged police misconduct separately from the Police Department’s own investigations as a result of an arbitrator’s decision that said the Spokane Police Guild must agree to the provision.
Zehm’s death was a major impetus to create the position.
Closing Geiger: Wise or worrisome? 
Dazzeetrader11 on August 21 at 1:07 a.m.
Verner also noted that once the cases are resolved, the city will conduct a “thorough internal investigation.”
Why not before the case is furthered? Why not now?
Because she doesn’t want more facts to come out. Others knew. Verner knew. She just sat in silence..” I shouldn’t comment”….
Feds are breathing down her neck and she knows it. Still the question must remain..”what did you know and when did you know it”. I bet there’s obstruction somewhere in this.
Verner should resign….or take a leave pending the outcome of the criminal case. I think she shold be prohibited from going after settling with Mrs Zehm. Clever of her isn’t it?
Criminal cases always go before the civil cases. More evidence for the civil case. She wants to settle the civil case before the criminal case is adjudicated. How cold of her. Calculated and cold.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 21 at 6:02 a.m.
This just keeps getting “interestinger and interestinger”……
I know and like personally most all of the city council folks… they clearly have been duped here…. and my guess is it starts with Rocky…. and unless the Mayor has “plausible deniability” she is deep up to her neck in the mud too….
The RPS case comes to my mind again… and whether the City Council had all of the information when making their decisions… this makes the whole “form” of our City Government look pretty inept and manipulated.
The tax payers are sucking this one up yet again…and there is more to come….. good grief ….. saying you “were not informed” is a legal way of avoiding culpability, or it shows you were not reading the tea leaves and delving into the deep muddy here. John
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 21 at 6:59 a.m.
It also appears that you all do not read the local newspaper…
From the Review Time Line of events:
March 25, 2010: Nicks is identified in court documents as a potential prosecution witness, the first indication that a high-ranking city official was prepared to contradict at least portions of the city’s official version of events.
This is seriously bad…. very seriously bad…. john
D Statler on August 21 at 7:22 a.m.
Where is our County Prosecutors while all this lying and corruption is going on?
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 7:23 a.m.
Yep ChefGus! Of course what do I know:-) I’ve been branded a conspiracy theorist, nutcase, a little green man from mars for attempting to tell truth to power and the citizens of Spokane that their City government is corrupt to the core.
I would encourage all to read Clouse’s excellent time line and my additional comments in that thread:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/aug/21/timeline-of-events-in-otto-zehm-case/
And former Sheriff Tony Bamonte says it all in his LTE in yesterday’s paper:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/aug/20/city-caught-in-cover-up/
<blockequote>…To compound this problem, a number of other public officials knew about this and are also implicated in this cover-up, namely Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, Mayor Mary Verner, City Attorney Howard Delaney and Rocky Treppiedi (all attorneys).
City officials have established a pattern of covering up wrongdoing. This time, they covered up the killing of a citizen by police and got caught in the act. This is a major crime, especially because of the trust placed in our public leaders.
There appears to be strong evidential cause to charge these folks with criminal activity.
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 7:25 a.m.
Unduly-prosecuted,
Head in the sand and complicit in many cover ups. And yet Tucker continues to be returned to office.
misjustice on August 21 at 8:27 a.m.
Ron, sorry, but I have NO trust in our public “leaders”. Many of them may or may not be fine folks but I don’t trust them.
selkirk on August 21 at 9:01 a.m.
Verner also noted that once the cases are resolved, the city will conduct a “thorough internal investigation.”
This begs to ask who is going to conduct this “internal investigation?”
Here are the results of the “internal investigation” that the liars, thieves and murderers that we call our Police produced (which is why the Feds HAD to step in):
July 19, 2006 - Spokane Police Detective Terry Ferguson concluded that the first officer on the scene was justified in striking Zehm with his police baton “to pre-empt an anticipated assault.”
I absolutely agree with former Sheriff Tony Bamonte in calling for the resignation of ALL involved… Verner, Kirkpatrick, Treppiedi, and Mr. Good Ol’ Boy himself, Stever Tucker!
brianrbreen on August 21 at 9:14 a.m.
Although late, it might be a good idea for all of the council members to actually try and gain an understanding of exactly what is going on here, hopefully before Monday. Maybe they will find that Nicks isn’t alone. I’m hoping they will also figure out that the answer to certain legal questions Ombudsman Tim Burns has to rely on comes from non other then City Attorney Tim Szambelan. If that isn’t a conflict I don’t know what is.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 21 at 9:17 a.m.
Frank Malone for Prosecutor….
We tried… but the “R” in front of inept and absent Tucker still got him elected even after the Pillory he took from his fellow “R” folks in the Primary…..
voting a partisan ballot is not always a good thing….
you get who you vote for…
A lot of us worked very hard for Col Malone across party lines… and it still went Phht…
john olsen
Orphan on August 21 at 9:35 a.m.
So if Spokane City Council members were told about this earlier this month exactly where is the outrage????? Not one council member has expressed concern that something may be very very wrong with SPD.
What a joke.
MisJ well said, 100% agree with you on this one.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 21 at 9:47 a.m.
When I read the information earlier this month i sent a link to the city council and mayor and expressed my extreme dissatisfaction that they had allowed this to occur under their watch…. Not one response from any council member except Mr Rush…. as quiet as little mice when there is a great big cat in the house…. The absolute minimum for them to have knowledge of this was the morning before it was in the print copy of the newspaper… Mr Vestal’s articles and Mr Clark’s commentary were both given to them on a platter…. John
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 21 at 9:58 a.m.
August 10 2011 Email from me to city council and mayor and others:
Well the article by Mr Vestal this morning certainly lays it all out. It is really time for the leaders of this City and This County to step up, and step in. Your oath of office is simply to defend the Constitution of The United States. I served two years in the U.S. Army to protect and defend the Constitution, and took that same oath. I took it very seriously and am still as an Ex Army Officer bound to that oath to protect the Constitution from all attacks foreign or domestic.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/aug/10/shawn-vestal-truth-about-zehm-sure-took-a-while/
DickAdams on August 21 at 10:21 a.m.
The way the officials at city hall handled the Otto case is so pathetic, its no wonder so many Spokaneites DO NOT TRUST any of them.
de3 on August 21 at 10:22 a.m.
Every one seems knee deep, heck, neck deep, in conflicts of interest.
Verner seems to be admitting the truth of Nicks testimony in the civil case(suggesting let’s settle) while simultaneously denying it in the criminal case.
That reeks really bad. Corruption and cover up is us.
In Spokane, hearing “thorough internal investigation.” means we will “investigate” ourselves, in private, closed to the public, and then engage in a “thorough internal cover up”. Business as usual.
Slightlyworried on August 21 at 10:48 a.m.
In all fairness to Steve “The Cops Never Make Mistakes” Tucker, he was briefed only two weeks ago on 14th fairway of Indian Canyon on the contents of the videotape that he never reveiwed four years ago when he decided on the 18th green of Qaulchan not charge Karl Thompson. Give the guy a break. He’s having trouble with short game and all you bozos want to talk about is justice for Otto Zehm.
yellowcat on August 21 at 11:11 a.m.
Did none of the city Council members or the Mayor look at the Zehm Zip Trip video in 2006? That should have them jumping up and asking questions. No one did…..it is clear as day that Otto Zehm was backing away from Thompson. If they didn’t look at the video, there is no excuse that they didn’t. Sometimes people have to stand up and do the right thing despite city attorneys telling them to sit down and shut up.
Coffee on August 21 at 11:31 a.m.
What a bunch of gutless wonders we have running our city. They would rather cover up misdeeds committed by city workers than do the right thing.
I apologies for voting for some of the current wonders we have in city government now and I will not vote for them again.
Wizard_Of_Oz on August 21 at 11:32 a.m.
Our city council is so clueless that if there weren’t name tags on the front of the desk, they wouldn’t know where to sit.
I think Bob Apple gets there early just to move his name tag as far away from Joe “Bringing Hell” Shogan. They should have had a blanket party a long time ago by the other council members. His next position will probably in Spokane Mental Health…..as a patient.
nslopeofw on August 21 at 1:47 p.m.
I guess none of them reads SR, then. It was in an article not too long ago. Dont know how they missed it. Sounds like a bit of BS, to me.
nslopeofw on August 21 at 1:59 p.m.
I hope all these politicians are not only removed from their offices, but that all of the “unaware, and uninformed” (doesnt seem possible) are put in prison. These people are all despicable, and deserve nothing but disdain from the citizens of our city/county/state/country.
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 2:16 p.m.
ROTFLMAO Justy, Dick, ChefGus, De3 and Wizard of Oz and others,
Sorry if I find your observations humorous. This would be very funny if it wasn’t for the tragic deaths of Jo Ellen Savage, Otto Zehm, Scott Creach and perhaps others at the hands of the police in our region.
Both Sheriff Bamonte and I have called upon Mayor Verner many months ago to fire Chief Kirkpatrick and Asst. Chief Nicks. Just Google my moniker with the operative word Kirkpatrick.. Of course there are other reasons beyond the Zehm case that are well documented in this piece Justy linked to in the other thread regarding Chief Nick’s revised affidavit - http://tinyurl.com/2454jjf.
Justy - Don’t you find it interesting that the City hasn’t said much of anything that it was looking for a new chief of police? Chief Kirkpatrick announced several months ago that she was leaving.
What do you suppose the Mayor Verner has up her sleeve?
Sorry Mayor I’m going to put you in check on this one:-)
Brian do you see this same move coming by the Mayor et al?
I will be emailing my recommendations to the Council and will deliver them at tomorrow night’s Council meeting discussing the OPO ordinance. Hopefully I will be able to deliver them without President Shogan ruling me out of order again:-)
I will post them here tomorrow. Instead of the Council wringing its hands in worrisome debate on what to do about the Ombudsman, I will present recommendations that the Council can act on that will fix this problem once and for all.
The question will the Council have as Sarah Palin used the invective cojones refering to President Obama, to do it?.
Sorry to my liberal friends, but I thought the usage of this word was applicable to our Council that so far seems to be clueless to this police cover up going on right under their noses. Of course the Council have been involved in much more important civil debate regarding water rates and bike paths. Hmmm has this happened before in our little berg?
Jesty - Do you think I should have my bail money in hand in case President Shogan tries to have me arrested for disturbing the most hollowed halls of the City Council Chamber?
Actually I would dare President Shogan to do it. I could use a little extra pocket money from this gravy train soon pulling into the Spokane station that WE TAXPAYERS are going pay to settle this case.
Yes I do know that the City has re-insurance too but the City’s rates will either go up and or the City will really become self-insured. Too bad those involved in this cover up won’t have to pay these damage awards out of their own pockets. Actually there is a practical reason why not at least for the cops involved but there are those that should suffer criminal consequences in this cover up that was an obstruction of justice.
Of course what do I know? I’ve been labeled a conspiracy theorist, nutcase, one of the little green men from Mars and many more by the powers that be in this town. Why?
Because I’m not scared by them and will openly speak out about the endemic corruption rampant in this town.
Sorry I don’t mean to be overly dramatic but this does bring back memories of that classic western of all times, High Noon staring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly (see here http://tinyurl.com/nca9od ). Cooper stared as Town Marshal Will Kane of Hadleyville who faced down the Evil that was coming to town with very few townspeople watching his back. There are many parallels with Spokane and Hadleyville.
I challenged all who are the least concerned about the Zehm tragedy and the endemic corruption amongst us right here in River City to attend tomorrow’s Council Meeting and plainly tell the Council who elected them.
TO BE CONTINUED -
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 21 at 3:16 p.m.
The movie that comes to My mind is “Bad Day At Black Rock” with Spencer Tracy coming to town and “outing” the deep dark past of the city “fathers”…… and he does it with One Hand… john
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 3:51 p.m.
Brian,
Brilliant minds think alike. BTW I forgot to mention the email thing. Consider the Federal Wire Tap and Electronic Communication Act re our discussion the other day. Hence my drawing of the line in the sand to Garve Brackel to do the right thing:-)
The Council can’t say they didn’t know on the inherent conflict of interest with the City Attorney’s Office in this case. I addressed the Council when the revision to the ordinance was considered on this very issue. I suggested the OPO also be given the authority to seek outside legal advice when appropriate.
This is because both Sheriff Bamonte and I felt the OPO was in a Catch 22 situation when the Chief and or the command staff are the subject of a citizen’s complaint. Both Bamonte and I had pending complaints involving Chief Kirkpatrick alleging serious malfeasance in office with the OPO some two years ago. We still are awaiting an official response. A source told me the Mayor was also aware of this situation too regarding our complaints.
brianrbreen on August 21 at 4:38 p.m.
@ChefGus
Okay, but who the heck is Spencer Tracy?
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 21 at 5:28 p.m.
I think Tracy plays the part of a Federal officer of some kind…. and it had to do with the stealing of some land from Japanese landowners in this desert community…. I think Katie Jurado (sp) played the romantic counterpoint, not Kate Hepburn… j
brianrbreen on August 21 at 5:50 p.m.
@ChefGus
Man you must really be old! :)
nslopeofw on August 21 at 6:14 p.m.
Ron,
I appreciate all that you do for public info and watchdogging the police. I have also noticed in the past that you are not always against the police. That kind of disproves the conspiracy theorist theory, eh? I’ve seen you defend them at times, so i believe your heart is in the right place. Keep up that which you do, as i find it informative.
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 7:36 p.m.
Oh yes! How exciting! Which one of you fancies yourself to be Gary Cooper at the big city council showdown?
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 21 at 7:37 p.m.
I am not REALLY old.. just old enough… 67 next birthday.. but can still work most young people in a volunteer kitchen into the ground…:)) happy to have you join us… it keeps one young…j and oh that movie is like 1954 in technicolor as i remember it…:))
brianrbreen on August 21 at 7:51 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
I can’t handle the Gary Cooper part I never know my lines and I always bump into furniture. If there is a stunt part I’ll give it my best shot. Have you been able to locate that federal gag order yet?
brianrbreen on August 21 at 7:59 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Let me give you this famous Spencer Tracy quote: “Write anything you want about me. Make up something. Hell, I don’t care.”
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 8:06 p.m.
A stay on associated active litigation is tantamount to a gag order to public officials..you DO know that simple fact? Actions and comments prior to judicial outcome are quite prejudicial.
Gary Cooper you ain’t.
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 8:15 p.m.
Nslopeofw,
Thx for your support. This is not about me. I’m just the messenger that is saying that the Emperor wears no clothes in River City. It’s up to the citizens of Spokane to choose to fix this problem as their elected officials are choosing to ignore the problem. I for one will not be a sheep being led willingly to the slaughter or for that matter allow others to rob me by way of fraudulent runs on the public treasury.
I was two-term POA president that successfully sued a police chief who in an IA investigation on an officer involved death (OID) who ran far a field in a fishing expedition violating the due process rights of our officers. I also did politically sensitive investigations within our city administration involving serving search warrants on the homes of City elected and appointed officials and our own finance department. I greased the skids under a chief that destroyed our department. I lived through a federal criminal civil rights investigation that was politically motivated that had much to do with the destruction this chief caused that led to a very tragic shooting.
Having had this experience I can understand many of the issues that the Guild has with Chief Kirkpatrick. While Chief Kirkpatrick may be well intentioned she appears to lack the experience to deal with sensitive police discipline issues. Chief Kirkpatrick whether she realizes it or not has been given very poor advice by the City Attorney’s Office. This City Attorney’s Office not only is complicit in the Zehm cover up as essentially noted by the US Attorney’s Office in its filing in the Zehm criminal case circa April 2010 e.g., Rocky Treppiedi, it is also complicit in allowing the RPS bond frauds to occur that will cost the taxpayers $87M dollars and its cover up. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Unfortunately the Guild has done its members little good as they lost the PR battle and trust of the citizens who are the very ones they need to fix this leadership problem.
As I commented to Gary who appears to be a SPD officer in the other thread in today’s paper:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/aug/21/revised-nicks-statement-drops-chiefs-opinion/?comments#c334669
brianrbreen on August 21 at 8:16 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
You might mention that to Chief Kirkpatrick. Would publicly stating you were looking for a settlement prior to judicial outcome be an action or comment that is quite prejudicial? As far as simple facts are concerned I DO know a few, cause I’m a simple guy.
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 8:21 p.m.
Nslopeofw,
Here’s the real good conspiracy stuff. Read quickly as others may not want you to read this and decide for yourself whether I’m right or not. Imagined that!
This lackluster police leadership is being condoned and tolerated by our elected leaders because it is necessary to the powers that be who actually run this City. If there was a professional police leadership team that was willing to lead the rank and file by example, this would be a direct threat to the very existence of powers that be. Such a professional team would not turn a blind eye to the criminal activity of the ongoing organized crime element in this City that rapes, robs and pillages the public treasury at will for their own personal benefit.
Don’t believe me. I’m only the messenger. This issue with SPD in only symptomatic of this much more deeply rooted causal problem. In order to fix SPD, the City’s endemic corruption caused by this organized crime elment to further its own personal interests must be thoroughly destroyed.
This corruption has been extensively documented by Tim Connor and Larry Shook based on their own award winning research and reporting based on the eyewitness accounts of former Mayor John Talbott, City Councilwoman Cherie Rodgers, former city employee Dennis Berringer, former KXLY reporter Tom Grant, former RPS garage manager Rex Franklin and many others.
Read here for starters:
Spokane’s Anarchist Mayor
http://tinyurl.com/48qh6et
Do read quickly as my posts have a way of disappearing quickly. If you find any of this informative and useful please share with your own social networks. This is the only way the truth will eventually come out.
The truth always seek to be free. In this era of the Internet/cellphones/facebook/twitter repressive regimes are following like dominoes as they can no longer control the free flow of information and the collective thought of the people.
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 8:24 p.m.
Ron…you really need to see somebody about your rather dramatic feelings of paranoia!
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 8:28 p.m.
Ooophs! Sorry forgot to include in the list above former Sheriff Tony Bamonte.
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 8:31 p.m.
Spokane_Citizen,
Do please tell me where I’m wrong in my analysis of Spokane Nice. If I’ve erred in anyway I will be happy to issue a correction.
BTW I’m in the open here. Are you willing to do the same? Seems like Brian knows your real identity. I’m not hiding behind any facade here.
Det. Ron Wright (Retired - 35 yrs Riverside PD, CA)
Principal, Ron Wright Investigations LLC (Licensed in WA & CA)
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 8:37 p.m.
I’m just a Spokane Citizen…nothing more and nothing less.
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 8:49 p.m.
Spokane_Citizen,
Well then we have a problem right here in River City with a capital T and that spells T R O U B L E.
Please join me tomorrow at the Council meeting. Please address Council with your suggestions on how to fix these serious problems with SPD that is costing us taxpayers a hell of a lot of money.
Seriously when SPD can’t fund its own crimes against property investigation unit we have a real problem. Residential burglary is a serious felony in my book and a strike offense in CA. If you don’t send a strong and consistent message to the criminal element that residential burglaries are not to be tolerated then they will run over us. The citizens will begin to take independent actions on their own that will lead to tragic incidents like the Scott Creach shooting.
brianrbreen on August 21 at 8:50 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Hey me too. See we have a lot in common.
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 8:56 p.m.
Hey, the good cop/good cop routine won’t work with me fellas!
brianrbreen on August 21 at 9:07 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
No you got that wrong, I’m supposed to be the bad cop, kinda like Robert De Niro, in that one movie…I don’t remember the name of it.
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 9:13 p.m.
Oh yeah..like interrogation training in the movie “Police Academy”.
brianrbreen on August 21 at 9:14 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Remember this?
· “Spokane_Citizen on September 11 at 8:46 a.m.
The big nut to crack are the already scheduled wage increases for the public safety bargaining groups; police and fire. Their wages are huge, constitute the largest part of the city general fund budget and every bargaining cycle they threaten to use ‘binding arbitration (which the other groups don’t have) to get even bigger wages. Most of the ‘rank and file’ public safety employees wages are multiples of the average city employee’s.
For those that don’t fully understand this situation; to make up for the fact that uniformed public safety employees cannot legally strike (never mind the fact the non-uniformed employees can’t strike either) the state gave uniformed employees the right to ‘binding arbitration’….which essentially means that if the city and the union can’t agree on a wage increase the issue goes to an arbitrator who will compare wages from other cities across the state and will make a decision about what wage increase will be made (the arbitrator frequently comes up with a binding wage increase that is even bigger than the union was asking for….and of course, much bigger than the offer the city was first making). Hence the city’s abject fear of binding arbitration.
The other bargaining groups (termed non-uniformed bargaining groups, and who on the average make very much less than police or fire employees) have given up negotiated wage increases many times before (under several administrations) to help the budget only to see police and fire refuse to give up theirs.
If police and fire would make some concessions (not likely ,given their representative’s tone and the groups’ past histories) then the others would make concessions as well.
Frankly, most city employees I know are every bit as sick of police and fire unions’ greed and total lack of concern regarding the community’s dire economic straits as the average informed citizen, and wouldn’t care if significant numbers of that bunch were laid off. In fact, most police and fire employees don’t really much care if more junior members are laid off, because they know that the citizens will be crapping their pants about public safety (despite the fact that crime and fire losses will stay about the same with or without substantial decreases in public safety workforce size) and the council and administration will hire them back.
The only way this nut is going to be cracked is to lay off the public safety employees, and keep them laid off, but I suspect none of the politicians running the city has the fortitude to do so.”
You got me all wrong I’m not a Guild straw man.
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 9:18 p.m.
Coulda been another Spokane Citizen…I dunno. What’s your take on what that citizen said?
brianrbreen on August 21 at 9:21 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
You know my take, just saying! :)
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 9:24 p.m.
So, did that citizen speak the truth?
DickAdams on August 21 at 9:28 p.m.
One thing for sure, I know Ron and consider him a friend. Another thing, if I need LE help, I want somebody just like Ron the former detective (with 35 years of service under his belt) to show up. Either Ron or former Sheriff Bamonte who is a friend of mine too. Their LE records prove they have the honesty and integrity needed for the great service both men have rendered in the past. The public that know these two, are aware of their great service provided..
Dazzeetrader11 on August 21 at 9:37 p.m.
Of course the Council didn’t know. Ms Transparency kept it from them. Somebody might have asked questions you know…..Verner has to have know about this. It’s inconcievable she didn’t Now…Kirk and Nicks can’t take the blame. All this does is confuse the process.
Ozzies very smart to quit the evidence component mixing City Police with County Sheriff concerns. Remember when Verner demanded to buy that big old warehouse . It’s up to $4 million in repairs now….on top of $1.5 million purchase price 16 miles roundtrip to the courts (nice green concept). Remember her reasoning? Cheaper to own? Consolidates County and City services?? Well neither has come to pass. Plus the building isn’t close to being finished.
But she hasn’t told the council that either. FOI’s are blocked.
She doesn’t tell anybody anything unless it’s in her interest..like when the Feds are beating down her door. Then…all of sudden……shazzzzzzzzzam!
She needs to take a leave until this is sorted out. No contact with the troops. As all you police or ex police know, the fundamentals include separating everyone involved.
brianrbreen on August 21 at 9:38 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
I’ll tell you what, I’ll leave my role as the bad cop and just let your comment back then stand. Just listen on Monday and see if I’m trying to lynch anyone or just trying to get the ball rolling to clean up the mess.
misjustice on August 21 at 9:42 p.m.
Duh…all the Council had to do, to “know”, was read the freakin’ newspaper…
And Dazzee, a friendly reminder: it is i before e except after c…or sounding as a as in neighbor and weigh…
Just sayin’…
Chewelah_Boy_In_lib_land on August 21 at 9:47 p.m.
@Everyone: For those of you trying to get the mentally inept out of the SPD over this, I commend you. Those of you that are whining about the corrpution and NOT doing anything….DO SOMETHING and let your voice be heard by more than the “sounding board.” I’m sick of reading how “something has to be done” yet, all I see is….nothing.
I believe the majority of you here know NOTHING about “Zehm(we called him by his last name then,”) I do. For a time growing up, he was in at least one home up in Chewelah, and I did go to school with him……though he was in the “special ed” classes as they were known back in the 80’s. He was troubled then, and very anti-social….let me stress this again….EXTREMELY ANTI-SOCIAL….i.e. biting, spitting, etc…..but ONLY WHEN PROVOKED. Something the SPD should have picked up on as soon as they entered the store, instead using the “nuclear option.”
What bothers me the most is that it’s taken 5 years for this to fester and watch SPD play games over this…..and as far as I’m concerned a “R” or “D” does not make you a peace officer…..why in the heck are we still allowing these cops to pick sides….they’re OUR servants, and should not be partisan in whomever they beat….errrr I mean shoot….errrrr…..serve.
Spokane_Citizen on August 21 at 9:55 p.m.
Biting and spitting describes a pattern of behavior significantly beyond ‘anti-social’.
Ron_the_Cop on August 21 at 10:33 p.m.
Dazeerader,
While on the subject of buildings purchased by the City was it you or someone else that said the building purchased in Hillyard owned by former SPD Captain Crabtree is still vacant and owned by the City? This building was also purchased by the City supposedly for a new property/evidence facility.
This was a play by the then Asst. Chief Odenthall via former SPD brass member Sullivan on behalf of Captain Crabtree. I have nothing against Captain Crabtree and I know he that has health issues and probably needed the money. I don’t know if there was anything out of line in this purchase. Some think so.
I just want to know why we aren’t using this building. If not why not sell it to cover the hole Mayor Verner is creating with the building that’s being renovated.
I didn’t know that Ozzie was pulling out of this deal.
Ed Byrnes on August 21 at 11:09 p.m.
I will see you at the City Council meeting. I look forward to meeting many of you in person. Many of us are familiar with each other through our writing, here and via email in some instances. At the meeting and in our communication with each other after let us think about and remember how much we are on the same side seeking the same accountability and transparency from the top down and the bottom up in law enforcement and the city government. I say this because I will have three minutes to address the council so I have chosen my words in advance for maximum impact, which I hope all of you are doing.
Ed Byrnes
arroyoribera on August 21 at 11:30 p.m.
Ron, I have come to appreciate your knowledge and perspective. I must say at the same time I find it interesting that you would chastise someone like for Spokane_Citizen for failing to use their true identity. You may recall the period of time in which you identified yourself here, on Hard 7, and on much of the web only as Rocketsbrain. In fact, given what a personality you have become locally, I give myself some credit for having outed you in 2007 and bringing you fully out into the light of day where you can more fully do battle with Cowles Family and the rest of the establishment.
http://spokanepoliceabuses.wordpress.com/2007/10/24/ron-wright-spokane-area-law-enforcement-personalities-of-note-1/
I apologize for any thing I got wrong in that piece.
Keep up the work and look forward to seeing you at City Council tomorrow. David Brookbank
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 22 at 7:16 a.m.
Hey guys n gals.. i’ll be with you there in Spirit… and intend to fire off one final missive to the council later this morning… Mary Carr my partner will be there… I’d suggest you all sit in a gaggle… down right behind the podium second row… the 5th and 6th seats are usually on camera… but fill up that little niche to the top with people as it is the only shot of the audience that the “editors” usually will allow….. they often cut my face out of the picture by adjusting camera angles even if i change from seat five to seat six etc…Give em Hell…. and be respectful of them…even if they are not nice to you… just soak it up.. and let them “flash their ass” on the program….. time for a big change coming here…best regards to you all j/gus
brianrbreen on August 22 at 7:41 a.m.
John,
Sorry you won’t be there, maybe we can meet some other time. Thanks for the warning regarding the cameras I’ll stay as far away from them as I can. To quote Spencer Tracy again; “This mug of mine is as plain as a barn door”, and Spokane_Citizen is right on the money, I ain’t no Gary Cooper.
kennyhuston on August 22 at 12:04 p.m.
@ Ron_the_Cop - Would you consider coming out of retirement?
I know that Hadleyvi, er, I mean Spokane could use someone like you - DESPERATELY !!!!! Gotta love this quote:
“Of course what do I know? I’ve been labeled a conspiracy theorist, nutcase, one of the little green men from Mars and many more by the powers that be in this town. Why?
Because I’m not scared by them and will openly speak out about the endemic corruption rampant in this town.”.
Yeah, all of these moves by our “respected and elected” - (a term I use VERY loosely) officials are all S - H - A - D - Y (@best)! In fact, at this point I suggest the city just sell the rights to this comedy to help cover ALL the following lawsuits!!! It would be a comedy if it wasn’t all happening in MY HOMETOWN and involving the DEATH OF AN ACQUAINTANCE of mine!!!
Rotten 2 tha CORE I tell ya!!! Thank you to ALL of you SR Forum posters for ALL of your different views - they ALL enlighten me in one way or another!!! Hope to see ALL of you at tonight’s meeting!!!
REMEMBER OTTO!!!!!
Wizard_Of_Oz on August 22 at 12:16 p.m.
I would suggest putting “reserved” on your seats and then everyone go out into the outer area and we ALL come in together when they are going through their reports, etc.
Instead of tricking in by ones and twos.. a mass entrance would be impressive…
I also suggest wearing BLUE for Otto… and someone bring a fire extinquiser to put out the fire in Shogans hair… well skip that…Shogan doesn’t have a hair…anywhere.
Ron_the_Cop on August 22 at 1:52 p.m.
LOL Wizard of Oz and Kenny Huston,
Sound like a plan. Yes a fire extinguisher is in order to cool President Shogan if he tries to rule me out of order again. Just in case I have my bail money ready.
I will be posting my recommendations later this afternoon.
Seriously it is WE THE CITIZENS of Spokane that need to impress our elected official of just who gives them the power to govern:
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 22 at 3:24 p.m.
for those that cannot attend… here is one of my “group lists” at gmail…. one can merely highlight, and then hit Ctrl and C at the same time, which will copy the list to your notepad…. then open an email and hit Ctrl V and it will paste it in the spot in your address line you’ve set the cursor….. give em a piece of your minds…..
<awaldref@spokanecity.org>, <bapple@spokanecity.org>, <mverner@spokanecity.org>, <nmclaughlin@spokanecity.org>, <scorker@spokanecity.org>, “Jon Snyder” <jsnyder@spokanecity.org>, “jshogan” <jshogan@spokanecity.org>, “Rush, Richard” <rrush@spokanecity.org>,
Ron_the_Cop on August 22 at 6:34 p.m.
UDPATE -
I’m at the Council Mtg as I type this. Please see the following link for my prepared statement I plan to deliver to the Council this evening. There is a good turnout. Most of the center seats and one of the side sections are filled.
Here’s an excerpt from my presentation that includes my two recommendations ( Full text here http://tinyurl.com/4xahoas ):
steveeugster on August 22 at 6:39 p.m.
Otto Zehm, Rest in Peace
http://spokaneregister.wordpress.com/
Ron_the_Cop on August 22 at 6:58 p.m.
UPDATE -
Looks like Council may punt on this issue tonight. Councilman Russ’ will be withdrawn now. Council with have its attorney write a letter to the PERC Board seeking clarification of the arbitrator’s jurisdiction in this matter.
The Council did punt the issue to September to leave time for PERC to respond.
President Shogun is allowing public testimony at this point.
Ron_the_Cop on August 22 at 7:06 p.m.
President Jo Shogan just through out George McGrath and had him escorted out by the Officer in the chambers.
Squid on August 22 at 7:14 p.m.
So…. What did George say to get himself booted?
Ron_the_Cop on August 22 at 7:40 p.m.
President Shogan allowed me to say my piece and was able to deliver my prepared statement:-)
Ron_the_Cop on August 22 at 7:42 p.m.
Squid,
McGrath used the term murder that President Shogan took exception.
Squid on August 22 at 7:55 p.m.
If you could post a summary of the meeting, I’d love to hear about it. Pretty please….
Ever notice that Valleyman and Gramma are curiously quiet these days? Kivaari chimed in, and seemed to change his opinion. I made fun of him and he disappeared.
Sorry about that Kivaari. I actually respect your opinion and you do enlighten me on many different points of view. I actually hope you continue to post. My humble apology.
brianrbreen on August 22 at 8:58 p.m.
Here is the summary.
It had been years since I had been to a city council meeting, now I remember why!
Squid on August 22 at 9:14 p.m.
Waste of time and effort? Filing their nails and taking a siesta?
No comments, input, or decisions from the Council?
Elkay on August 22 at 9:55 p.m.
Summary: The Council passed paving an alley at the alley’s homeowners’ expense. I was astounded at their courage.
I also learned there is absolutely no need for sleeping pills in Spokane. Channel 5. Monday nights at 6 p.m.
Spokane_Citizen on August 22 at 10:12 p.m.
So…that was your big public outrage come-to-jesus council testimony?
And Ed, how courageous you are, revealing your true identity! For christ’s sake, you’re a fully tenured state university employed professor, whose position is more far secure than any guild member (though none of you are as secure as the various retired participants). Gotta say your demeanor probably scares the hell out of the SW undergrads though!
Elkay on August 22 at 10:20 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen,
To whom did you direct your question? Thanks.
Ron_the_Cop on August 22 at 10:32 p.m.
Squid,
Per your request the Council punted on the issue of appealing the arbitrator’s decision to the end of September. Apparently there was a lot of talking between Council members led by President Shogun.
Gist is Rush withdrew his motion to appeal based on new motion by Council to direct City Atty to write letter to PERC Board for a clarification of the arbitrator’s ruling. Specifically whether the arbitrator had jurisdiction to hear this matter. The Council will wait to hear from the PERC Board before taking any further action.
In the discussion by Council after the public testimony it looks like they are content to wait. I think they are putting too much stock in the Ombudsman. In my opinion the issues with SPD are systemic and the Ombudsman even with enhanced powers will have the desired effect. This is an effort in futility.
Council in their discussion did not even mention my recommendations. I guess they don’t have the cojones to take an action that would have a real chance of changing the behavior of SPD. As I’ve said many times before the root of this problem is the police and city leadership.
From my prepared statement:
I suggest we collectively petition the US Attorney’s Office directly to expand their current criminal investigation and also launch a pattern and practice investigation of SPD. This is what the feds launched in Seattle:
Feds launch civil rights probe of Seattle cops
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/31/national/main20049296.shtml
I talked with some of those who gave public testimony about doing this. I will keep you informed on how you can participate if you are so inclined.
brianrbreen on August 22 at 10:39 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
How did I do. More like Wallace Berry Right?
Spokane_Citizen on August 22 at 10:50 p.m.
Brian, I don’t know….you’d have to ask the other 10 Spokane citizens who tuned in tonight.
The high point was seeing George get thrown out of the council chambers…that always warms my cold and shriveled heart!
I’m gonna keep this stuff in mind for when I retire…it looks like nice hobby.
Elkay on August 22 at 10:52 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen,
The “come-to-jesus council testimony” can be intimidating to those not practiced in public speaking. Especially when President Shotgun has citizens escorted out by the uniformed gen d’armes.
I’m one of those folks who articulate better in writing than showing up on taped TV with the possibility of being thrown out at any moment. Intimidating and humiliating.
I give credit to ALL who gave testimony. We ain’t all Perry Mason’s.
brianrbreen on August 22 at 10:54 p.m.
One thing the council did do, and I’m glad they did, was seek outside legal opinion regarding any appeal. It’s pretty obvious the outside opinion was consistent with the city attorney. They all have a pretty good idea what PERC’s response to the letter will be. Then there will be the option to appeal to Superior Court, which won’t fly either, and it would be another waste of money.
@Spokane_Citizen
Which one was “Jesus”? Was it the heavy set guy in all dark blue, balding, grey hair, mustache wearing all that paraphernalia?
Spokane_Citizen on August 22 at 10:57 p.m.
Well, Elkay…come down every Monday evening to harangue the council about everything under the sun and you’ll become as eloquent as George. You know, he wasn’t born with those skills (or perhaps he was an extremely irritating infant…a prodigy, so to speak).
brianrbreen on August 22 at 10:57 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
From what I understand you retired along time ago, you are just getting full salary.
Spokane_Citizen on August 22 at 11:00 p.m.
Brian…that’s my line, you old devil!
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 22 at 11:04 p.m.
I would be happy to attach my name to a request to the Feds or whoever for an external review of all of this. The pending criminal case about Otto may be again moved on down the road. Thank you to all who showed up, even if the city council did a lateral arabesque … it gives another month to get organized. John
Elkay on August 22 at 11:04 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen,
Sorry, I’m not a haranguer. I’m just not a good public speaker. But at least I know it.
Elkay on August 22 at 11:08 p.m.
@Chef Gus,
Thanks, John, for getting us back on point.
brianrbreen on August 22 at 11:10 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
Like it or not the stuff is going to hit the fan during the criminal trial. I know the Mayor knows, the Chief knows, the City Attorney knows, but I’m not sure the Council has a clue as to how bad it’s going to look.
Wizard_Of_Oz on August 22 at 11:14 p.m.
The Joe Shogan show was in rare form tonight. Blustering and badgering. Many in the audience took exception to his childish behavior and temper tantrums. I dont know why the council hasn’t had a blanket party for the Ol “Hell bringer”.
Joe’s clock is ticking each day closer to dumping the tantrum king. I heard Careywood is going to hire him to scare small children and animals for Halloween.
and dont let the door hit you on the way out…
Spokane_Citizen on August 22 at 11:19 p.m.
Brian…I guess time will tell…but over a pretty long lifetime I’ve heard plenty of things uttered with complete conviction that didn’t quite ‘pan-out’ as predicted. You got it covered either way….if it doesn’t come to pass you’ll just complain that the entire process is corrupt.
brianrbreen on August 22 at 11:22 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
I’m not into the corruption thing. I’m more like an ineptness guy.
Spokane_Citizen on August 22 at 11:26 p.m.
Brian, spoken like a true realist…there’s always plenty of ineptitude (and its sister, apathy) to go around.
Squid on August 22 at 11:30 p.m.
Well Ron, I actually care about this town and am willing to do whatever is possible to help it.
Not sure how excited I would be to give up my anonymity though. I have been on the SPD bad list and know how they can make you wish you kept quiet.
Thanks to you, Brian, and Elkay for the summaries.
About the corruption, apathy, and inept thing…. What would you call the O Z investigation? All of the above?
Spokane_Citizen on August 22 at 11:40 p.m.
Squid, what makes you think they don’t already know who you are?
brianrbreen on August 22 at 11:45 p.m.
@Spokane_Citizen
The problem with ineptness, and apathy is when it is exposed it usually leads to a very flawed decision making process.
Squid on August 22 at 11:50 p.m.
I really doubt the S R would give them that info, unless I typed something threatening, which I haven’t. They would have to be real bored to chase after me, just for speaking my mind on a blog. I’ve done much worse, when it comes to public humiliation of the SPD. Learned my lesson and am on my best behavior now. :)
Ron_the_Cop on August 25 at 7:33 a.m.
To All Citizens of Spokane,
I posted this comment in Brunt’s article thread on this meeting. It was scrubbed by the S-R so I’m reposting it here:
@Ms. Torres,
Thank you for your sharing your agreement with my assessment and recommendation to Council. It think it’s quite obvious that Council has no desire to take the lead on this issue nor does the Mayor and or City Attorney.
Having been kept in the dark by the Mayor, the City Attorney and the police command staff, they continue to want to remain in the dark, feeding on mushrooms and wringing their hands that they have so little authority to bring about any meaningful change that is so apparent to us all.
I personally like OPO Tim Burns. I invited him to address some of my criminal justice classes when I was teaching. I believe his is very sincere but organizationally he is behind the eight ball. Organizationally Tim reports to the Mayor but must deal with the police command staff and the City Attorney that can throw procedural and other roadblocks under his wheels on anything he tries to do and or subvert the process.
I agree with Brian’s general assessment that the OPO position was never meant to effect any real change. It was really just for show otherwise the OPO would have been given meaningful authority. As you can see with a complicit Office of the Mayor, Office of the City Attorney and a lackluster police command staff, Burns is high and dry in dry dock in bringing any substantive meaningful change to SPD’s current culture.
As Sheriff Tony Bamonte said as reported in these articles there would be no need for an OPO if we had City leadership, a Chief and police command staff that would not tolerate police misconduct and or abuse . . .
And see Sheriff Bamonte’s formal complaint to the US Attorney’s Office regarding the cover up in the Otto Zehm case as reported by Dave Laird in this blog post at the S-R:
When will the guilty be held accountable?
http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/commcomm/2011/aug/17/when-will-guilty-be-held-accountable/
What we witnessed Monday night was a reversal of Rush on his commendable push to appeal the arbitrator’s position with his withdrawal of his motion. This action that unfolded was a very carefully staged and orchestrated move out public view to acquiesce to the Guild’s threat of pulling political endorsements and contributions. I concur with Ed Brynes this may be a veiled effort to run out the clock on the procedural time to appeal the arbitrator’s ruling.
In CA with what President Shogan said from dias this was tantamount to a violation of The Brown Act in CA (Similar to WA Open Meeting Law) - daisy chaining in a serial fashion of board/council members to achieve a consensus and or majority position. See this report in the Sacramento Press:
City Council vs. the Brown Act
http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/55379/City_Council_vs_the_Brown_Act
As a practical matter discussion among other colleagues is useful to work out differences but there comes a point when it crosses the line. When such action is taken in private without an opportunity for public input and discussion where a majority position is reached is ILLEGAL. Under The Brown Act these discussion much take place in public at announced public meetings with an opportunity for public participation. Of course the US Congress and state legislatures are generally exempt from these open meeting laws. Go figure!
Unfortunately WA Open Meeting Law is very week in several areas even though in some aspects is patterned after The Brown Act which many states have adopted in some form or another. I’m sorry but President Shogan, being an astute attorney as he is, should know better at least for appearance sake. . .
Ron_the_Cop on August 25 at 7:37 a.m.
My reply to Brian Breen was also scrubbed:
@Brian,
Brian could you please reach out to your Guild contacts and help them to see the light?
You are quite correct the Guild is locked in a battle it can’t win and will be destructive to the community and Guild members. The Guild needs to change it’s strategic plan. As Dr. Phil is so fond of saying how’s that working out for you. Sometimes there are better ways of obtaining your objectives instead of bashing your head against a brick wall. Go around it. Fortunately for us we can have these discussions and enlightened the public where active Guild members could be targeted for retribution and or retaliation. Of course these threads are closely monitored by those in City Hall AKA City Hell.
The Guild continues to shoot itself in the foot and is doing a disservice to its rank and file members. Circling the wagons defensively, digging in its feet to protect their members from vindictive, capricious and self-serving actions by police administrators and or City leaders will do them little good. The Guild’s call of foul has been spun against it by those CYA’g in this mess and others e.g., former Guild VP and now fired SPD Det. Jeff Harvey. In the end such Guild action will not resolve their main beefs with the police command staff and or City leadership.
I can’t condone the actions of Det. Harvey regarding the incident with the Fish and Game Officer as reported. I suspect he was unfairly treated in the process or else Attorney Bob Dunn would not represent him. I’m told that Mr. Dunn never takes a case where there isn’t a fat check guaranteed in a settlement.
I’ve been the subject of chief led IA witch hunts during my tenure as POA president when we sued a chief for a preliminary injunction for directing a fishing expedition in an OID case that violated the due process rights of an officer. And in another sudden case of Blue Flu by a group of members who took a wildcat action and I became the focal point of the chief’s led wrath. Trust me if I was responsible for this action there would have been no fingerprints. Anyway we resolved both issues in negotiating a mutually acceptable OIS/OID drug testing policy.
A brilliant move on the Guild’s part now would be a flanking move to support my proposal of asking the feds to come in and clean house. This would be a win win for them. If this doesn’t go anywhere it would be a show of good faith to the community.
The Guild whether it realizes it or not desperately needs the political support and power of the community to drive the real changes that are so necessary in City government. We can then have discussions about meaningful police oversight oversight in one way or another that the Guild can buy into that would protect it’s members from abusive practices by police administrators and or City leadership.
If this were to succeed many of the Guild’s problem people who are causing them much grief and have screwed them in high City positions would find themselves without jobs and or worse in jail! This would be a win too.
Ron_the_Cop on August 25 at 7:44 a.m.
And lastly to All Citizens of Spokane here’s my proposal. If you agree please share with your social networks. This post was scrubbed too. I’ve edited it down and hopefully it will stay this time:
- WE THE PEOPLE empower those whom WE ELECT to govern -
I spoke with several people that turned out to give testimony last night who suffered through President Shogan’s rudeness and ridicule.
I am in the process with others in preparing a letter to the US Attorney’s Office requesting that they take action as I outlined in my presentation to Council [http://tinyurl.com/4xahoas]
We will secure signatures of diverse community leaders and former public office holders. When this letter is finished and signed, it will be posted on the Net with an online petition. All citizens who are in agreement can sign the petition in support. Please watch for specifics on my web page www.ronthecop.com.
At the appropriate time a press conference will be called in front of the Federal Courthouse in Downtown Spokane with those signing the letter. The letter and petition in support will be hand delivered to Michael Ormsby the US Attorney for the Eastern District of WA. Of course all will be invited to attend.
Please remember it is WE THE CITIZENS that empower those whom we choose to govern. We should not live in fear of our government and or our police.
As I concluded in my Council presentation with:
Please share this your social networks e.g., FaceBook, Twitter … and encourage your network friends to do as well. This is how we can get the word out to unite for this common purpose.
Think- the Arab Spring - where the new alternative/social media was crucial in overturning despotic tyrannical regimes –
Det. Ron Wright (Retired - 35 yrs Riverside PD, CA)
Principal, Ron Wright Investigations LLC ( Licensed in CA & WA)
tomnsahl on August 25 at 8:47 a.m.
Having been on the road this week, I looked forward to catching up on the news/commentary about this article. Sadly I return to find Ron pontificating and self promoting again - sighhhhhh!
While I do appreciate most of the regular contributor comments, I encourage all to re-read the forum standards and community guidelines … lest this special opportunity for ALL readers become a clique, who discourage others from expressing their perspectives. Saying the same things over and LOUDER is simply bullying.
I seldom agree with George, and am glad he got tossed out - I did catch a portion of the “Mike & George” a.m. show Tuesday and found some of what was discussed/reported to be more enlightening than the posts of the Council meeting here. Look WAY UP and note the late notice to the Council about details of the Zehm case is what the article was about…
Come on folks - we can do/be better.
brianrbreen on August 25 at 9:07 a.m.
@tomsahl
I thought having to listen to all those folks trying to get out of the joint would make you cynical, sounds like it actually has made you senseable. :)
Ron_the_Cop on August 25 at 10:51 a.m.
@Tomsahl,
Sorry if I offended you. Look my post was appropriate in the other thread but it was pulled probably because of something that was in there that is not related to the current issue.
Please do reread my reply to Ms. Torres. Look I feel and understand the Guild’s pain but their current strategic plan to solve this problem is not working. I even thanked Det. Harvey for his valor that in the City’s haste to show him the door failed to mention.
There is a train barreling down the tracks that will be pulling into the Spokane Station regarding the endemic corruption within City leadership. If the Guild truly does not support officers that abuse the power and trust given to them by the community, then my proposal is a way out.
Trust me I’ve been in protracted battles before with clueless, self-serving and sometimes corrupt City leaders. The Guild is doing itself no favors in its previous actions.
It obvious the Council wishes to remain in the dark, eating mushrooms and twirling it thumbs and ignoring the real problems with Police leadership that are saving their hides on the backs of the rank and file e.g., failure to provide counsel when its obvious the City Attorney’s Office has serious conflicts in representing them.
I’m not your enemy. I am not promoting any interests here, am not making any money on my efforts nor do I have any real desire to run for public office. I only post my name and background to establish my background and credibility unlike some here that will hide behind AKAs. I chose to come to Spokane after I pulled the pin in So Cal for its many fine attributes. I consider my involvement here as my civic contribution and duty for all the times I either couldn’t do for many reasons when I was wearing the badge.
It’s obvious the City does not want us serfs mixing it up, comparing notes and calling BS to their Jedi wave off that everything fine here - we-ll handle it so move along. In order for the Guild to achieve its objectives it must have the support of the community to hold those in positions of authority accountable - The Mayor, The City Attorney, and The Police Command Staff.
There is more afoot here than you will probably realize. If you’re interested lets go to coffee some time. I’ll buy:-) I hang out with some of the retired crew at Thomas Hammers at the Northtown Mall. Check me out. You can reach me at:
ron [at] ronwrightinvestigations [dot] com
brianrbreen on August 25 at 12:29 p.m.
@Ron_The_Cop
tomsahl is one of the finest SPD cops that retired from the SPD and despite his lack of a quality public education he does have at least a little sense. His message wasn’t to you, it was to me. He knows exactly how mad I am and has a pretty good idea how I will handle it. He is exactly right, knock it off, you are making so many good cops look like idiots. I would sign this post with all my background, but I’ve decided to just to post my PHD info.
Retired Detective Spokane Police Department, PHD from the U of S ( University of the Street)
Ron_the_Cop on August 25 at 2:17 p.m.
Brian,
Look my intent is far from making the good rank and file look like idiots. The Brass and the complicit City leadership are another matter. They screwing the rank and file over on this case to CYA. Ofc. Thompson is being made the fall guy/scapegoat and any who arrived on scene and had the misfortune of assisting. Mistakes were made. We all made mistakes. Crap happens. These officers all are entitled to independent counsel and not from the two-timing self-serving and corrupt City Attorney’s Office.
Also the brass and City leadership what to stymie any legitimate concerns of the Guild from reaching the public. So far they have been able to politically spin this against the Guild. The public on the outside have no clue what is going on and have lost trust and confidence in the police. It’s easy for them to make generalizations that all SPD is loosers.
I know this is not the case and have said there are many fine men and women doing a very difficult job day in and day out at SPD. The Brass have done a great disservice to all these fine men and women.
As I said above:
If there is any information that needs to see the light of day I can easily be found and can keep my mouth shut as to the source.
It’s clear to me from the outside that Asst. Chief Odenthal may have screwed the pooch by apparently ordering the videos be altered. Chief Odenthal eventually was quietly ushered out the back door and is comfortably drawing his pay check. In fact Asst. Chief Nicks may have been sandbagged by Chief Oldenthal and now is taking the heat for it. It’s apparent that Chief Nicks has been rolled by the US Attorney’s Office in the change of his affidavit that has subsequently revised to protect Chief Kirkpatrick’s butt.
I as a private citizen who will have to underwrite these serious mistakes/lapses on the part of the Brass and other City leaders in the eventual settlement payment to the Zehm family. I’m with you the CFJ low balled their claim. This could have been handled much better at less cost to the City. I’m sorry but as a TAXPAYER this makes me as MAD AS HELL and I will hold those responsible accountable!
Doesn’t it make you wonder why the City doesn’t have sufficient funds that the SPD Crimes Against Property Investigative Unit was disbanded?
Give me a fricken break what message our we sending to the crook element! Gee I’m going to have to go to the range and do some remedial training if I can’t depend on the police.
For us older folks does this bring back any memories of Watergate? Brunt, Clouse and Vestal could be the new Bernstein and Woodward if pointed in the right direction:-)
Ron_the_Cop on August 25 at 2:20 p.m.
@Brian,
What I was trying to tell Tom and I can’t do it here is this is only the tip of the iceberg of a very complex game that is afoot. As I said I’m will to go to coffee anytime:-) Whether you like Bob Apple or not see this exchange between us on my FaceBook page:
brianrbreen on August 25 at 3:38 p.m.
@Ron_The_Cop
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
I’ve stayed at the Watergate many a time and the only time I didn’t have a Potomac view was when you were paying for it, a whole nother story involving my local nemeses BA. As far as BA is concerned when I file a CJA voucher every time I submit my expenses he refuses to acknowledge the fact that it is necessary for me in order to digest my food to have two shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey. I have even pointed out how much money I’ve saved the court, BA doesn’t care. At one point he said bring me a script that says it is a medical issue and I’ll look at it. I found a “MD” to write the script and brought it to him, he took it off the submission and ripped it up in front of me saying I have a responsibility here. Typical darn bureaucrat. I’m still waiting on the money BA owes me for the last one, I get my money from the 4th and the 3rd within four or five weeks. The only reason I mention this is because I know BA follows this crap and I want my money.
Ron_the_Cop on August 25 at 4:08 p.m.
LOL! Are we talking the same BA? If so what does he have with approving expense reports? Like I said on the phone I collect info from many sources to help me get a better sense of what the actual reality is from BS.
DickAdams on August 25 at 7:49 p.m.
Tom Sahl, we need more just like former detective Ron Wright. Ron has good ideas that some will not agree with, and that`s up to them, but he has the honesty and integrity needed for his plight for truth.