Spokane7
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November 6, 2011 in City
Clark: To those who disgraced the law they swore to uphold
“Members of the Spokane Police Department will so conduct their public and private lives that they exemplify the high standards of integrity, trust, and morality demanded of a member of the Spokane Police Department.” – Canon Four of the Spokane Police Department Policy Manual Code of Ethics
Might I suggest some much-needed reading?
The 447-page policy manual that spells out what it takes to be a law enforcer in Spokane, to be specific.
I’m talking to you – the 50 or so cops – who disgraced yourselves Friday morning in a downtown federal courtroom.
“Present arms!” one of them barked.
The defiant herd snapped into a unison salute as their fallen felonious colleague Karl Thompson was led from the courtroom and into custody, right where he belongs.
“Members of the Spokane Police Department are granted a public trust which requires that they consistently demonstrate the highest degree of integrity.” – Policy Manual General Statement
One observer suggested that the salute reminded him of a gang sign being flashed to a fellow banger.
It fits. Thompson’s 2006 beat-down of Otto Zehm in a Spokane convenience store was a thuggish act. Zehm, who was wrongly reported as a thief, died two days later.
Many of us spent the last five years wondering if justice would ever come for Otto.
Then on Wednesday afternoon, a federal jury in Yakima found Thompson guilty for not only his violence, but also for the lies he later told investigators in an attempt to cover up his brutality.
It’s a bitter pill for Thompson’s friends on the force.
They are the Thin Blue Whine, angrily refuting the verdict as undeserved and unfair, and now acting out in a federal courtroom.
They conveniently forget that Thompson’s conviction came via the very laws and system that police officers promise to preserve and protect.
They should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
Especially since Zehm family members were there. These still-grieving people were a captive audience as these callous, classless cops showed support for a criminal who could spend the next decade behind bars.
“Members of the Spokane Police Department shall recognize that their allegiance is first to the people, then to their profession and the government entity or agency that employs them.” – Standard 3.9
One officer even wept openly for Thompson.
Meanwhile, Spokane weeps for Otto.
No wonder police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick and Mayor Mary Verner scrambled to issue a joint apology for the officers’ boorishness.
“The courtroom behavior of some officers, though protected as free speech, does not reflect the values we stand for.”
Nice try, but this is the SPD culture you both have allowed to flourish.
While we’re at it, however, someone should apologize for the U.S. marshals as well. Their failure to slap the cuffs on Thompson before leading him away is the sort of special treatment we mere civilians rightfully abhor.
The lack of trust Spokane residents have for their police these days is appalling.
But relations will never improve as long as police officers pull thoughtless antics as they did on Friday.
Too many cops in this town have forgotten that law enforcement is a High Calling. They need to quit worrying about the Brotherhood of the Badge and look back on that proud day when they took up the badge.
“I … do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution and Laws of the United States and of the State of Washington, and the charter and ordinances of the City of Spokane, and that I will, to the best of my ability, faithfully, honestly, and impartially perform and discharge the duties of Police Officer during my continuance as such, so help me God.” – SPD oath of office
Doug Clark is a columnist for The Spokesman-Review. He can be reached at (509) 459-5432 or by email at dougc@spokesman.com.
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Slightlyworried on November 06 at 1:45 a.m.
Thompson’s supporters have missed several points. First, Thompson was not put on trial for using his baton. He was put on trial for how he used his baton (blows to the head rather than the legs). He was also put on trial for lying to investigators after the fact.
His defenders are constantly telling us that Thompson had a difficult job. Agreed. And that his job required split second decisions. Agreed. And that Otto refused to drop the 2 liter bottle of Pepsi despite repeated demands to drop the bottle. Disagree, but let’s say it’s true. Does that deserve the use of deadly force (e.g. baton blows to the head, rather than baton blows to the back of the knee)? No, it does not.
And how does the “split second decision” argument account for the two days that Thompson had before he sat down with investigators? There was no “split second decision” involved in deciding to lie to investigators.
Even if the jury got the illegal use of force wrong, they sure as hell didn’t get the false statement part wrong.
And finally, this whole argument that Thompson’s long career of serving the community should somehow excuse his criminal conduct. Really? How would most cops react to a defendant arguing the “Thompson defense” to hitting another cop? “Your honor, my client is a member of the Rotary Club and is Boy Scout Leader, who has never committed a crime before he slugged the officer in the face, so we pled Not Guilty by Reason of Thompson”.
Kind of sounds stupid when you put in those terms, huh?
another_perspective on November 06 at 4:41 a.m.
July 4, 2008. 17 people were brutily arrested in Riverfront Park for protesting “Police the Police”. Recall nearly a month later 5 hours before the trials of the disclosure of the secret police videos which had been stashed in hidden evidence?
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news/newstrack.asp?newstrack=July%204th%20protests
So Chief Kirkpatrick when are you going to stand up and hold YOUR officers to the Standards that we the citizens expect them to and they swore to uphold? Time to paddle or kick some blue behinds most skosh.
Mayor Verner, these are your employees. Are you going to grow some Condons and discipline them either?
Is the City Council going to continue to COWER (as in cowards) in remaining silent about this outrage?
No wonder the SPD no longer investigates property crimes, its too busy prepatrating Human, Civil Rights and Hate crimes and practicing their sychronized NAZI Hitler type salutes in Federal Court Houses.
I’m not a big fan of civil disobediance type action, but when your police, your chief, your city council, your mayor all sit with their thumbs where the sun doesnt shine and look the other way, Just What is a Citizen to Do?
Doug, better not park that Vista Cruiser on the street, its liable to be festooned with parking tickets.
Maybe we can get all those Occupy Spokaners to practice Occupy Courtroom, instead of visually harassing drivers with their feeble message of a Socialist State.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on November 06 at 5:05 a.m.
The feelings on this will ripple for years. Until there is direct oversight of Police by the citizens that employ them..we are not safe and our constitutional rights are being trounced….. Keep after them Mr Clark.. we have your back. John
oneanddone on November 06 at 5:16 a.m.
Cops are like lawyers (my personal unfavorite). Many people despise them - until they need them. Too many forget the times cops run into buildings to save kids, perform emergency medical treatment, or risk their own lives to save someone from some crazy whacko with a gun. A gun I might add, which some of the same people criticizing the police, think everyone has a right to conceal and carry. It’s too easy for me to remember returning to the states in the 60’s from Vietnam and being faced with these same sort of fools who thought soldiers were nothing but baby killers. That is of course until 9-11 at which time they all cried in unison, “SAVE US.” The media is no better, hyping a story just to sell papers.
Sadbuttrue on November 06 at 5:55 a.m.
“Too many forget the times cops ….. or risk their own lives to save someone from some crazy whacko with a gun.”
As the recent well-publicized incidents of unhinged, steroid-pumped murderous cop antics demonstrate, the “crazy whacko” with the gun is all too often a cop. And for some inexplicable reason, no cop ever risks their lives to save us from THAT.
I’m not a Republican (people who publicly announce their political party affiliation, said P.J. O’Rourke, are like “moonies who drink.”) but it seems to me this blatantly-egregious cop disrespect of the court and the Zehm family fairly cries out for a severe crackdown on public employee unions, ala Ohio and Wisconsin. These hitler-salute pumping cops have completely forgotten who pays their salary. It must be a shock to these goons that the federal court is not anxious to bury its nose in the cop’s nether regions like the local corrupt politicians and state court system that is absolutely cowed by the power of the cop union.
Washington simply needs to strip these callous goons of their union rights, and do it pronto.
Lewis on November 06 at 7:23 a.m.
a court of law is not the place to say good by to a fallen comrade, they could have had a going to jail party at the comrades 675 thousand dollar home.
Instead 50+ officers decided to disgrace, their uniform, fellow officers, city, public, courts, and victims families.
Then they come on these blogs and call us all criminals because we call them on the disgrace they have brought all of us.
they remind me of children that don’t get their way, they cry and moan. if Karl had walked they would be telling us to just accept the decision in the court of law but since they lost they have to disgrace the very motto they took to have their high paying jobs.
TO SERVE AND PROTECT!
I invite everyone to the city council meeting Monday night I will be in attendance to ask the council to discipline these 50+ officers for disgracing this city and the Zehm family.
Join me will you, lets show the city we have had enough, please bring a 2 liter soda bottle with you to show support in our right to be armed, but please leave your pop bottles outside we don’t need another police riot.
schleufer on November 06 at 7:28 a.m.
the more things change the more they stay the same. this song and pictures are over 10 years old.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC9ZHXnY6GA&feature=youtube_gdata
Lewis on November 06 at 7:30 a.m.
oneandone I never despised cops until I moved back to my hometown in 98 since then my respect for their uniform has fallen so dramatically it a shames me to feel this way.
But it also shames me more knowing my taxes are paying their wages. I live in this city to be near my parents as they get older when they are gone I will move as far from Spokane as I can.
I suggest anyone who wants to live in a city where the police are respected sell out and get the heck away from spokane.
Orphan on November 06 at 7:31 a.m.
Oneanddone read Heller, McDonald, the second Amendment and especially artical 1 section 24 of the Washington State Constitution its more restrictive on the State government than the 2nd Amendment we do have a right to carry a gun concealed and for that matter openly too. I will be manning the OC table at the gun show today come on down and we can discuss it.
Back on topic the saluting officers are a disgrace to Spokane, SPD and the people of Spokane. I think a one fingered salute to each of them every day is in order.
sean96 on November 06 at 8:59 a.m.
1st to one and done, have you ever called 911 in this town or crime check? They hardly ever come, they will give a report number.
To Doug Clark, you are being way to nice to these worms.
PlanB on November 06 at 9:14 a.m.
Verner and Kirkpatrick need to stop wasting time on empty apologies and start handing out pink slips.
But I’m just kidding myself. Seems that if a cop gets fired for violating the very policies Clark has pointed out, they just sue the city, get their job back plus a big settlement. Now that’s messed up.
berrybestfarm on November 06 at 9:26 a.m.
Brotherhood is needed because police work is dangerous. OK, we get it. Now get this. How many citizens have been killed by police and visa vera?
Dennis Patterson—Deer Park
grannyc on November 06 at 10:04 a.m.
I’m confused…..a Sheriff’s Deputy can shoot a man on his own property from an unmarked patrol car and that’s OK.
But an officer responds to a :BOGUS call and takes down a
“criminal” and he will get time for it. You’ll have a hard time convincing me that an officer of his caliber lied intentionally.
Where are the “girls” that made the original call???? Hindsight is always better than foresight……Get real people.
The officer did one thing wrong……..he should have retired after 25 years and lived a good life on a “PURS I” pension.
Sadbuttrue on November 06 at 10:11 a.m.
“Brotherhood is needed because police work is dangerous.”
It really isn’t. Usually, it is not even in the top ten most dangerous jobs.
I wonder what would happen if a bunch of loggers - who work in hands down the most dangerous job - showed up at court and gave a Hitler salute in front of the victim’s family to a fellow logger being led away in cuffs for vehicular homicide?
Of course, loggers would never DREAM of doing such a nasty, abhorrent, vicious disrespectful thing, but we can tolerate some fantasy here, can’t we?
Albert on November 06 at 10:25 a.m.
Clark, I had to read your article twice over coffee this morning to grasp the significance of your documentation. I’m shocked to read of these “requirements” , along with the oath that is taken to “protect & serve”.
After reading your article, I am convinced beyond a doubt, that there are absolutely zero “good cops” in the SPD. If there were, then this “brotherhood” junkola would not be tolerated by the “good cops”, as well as the leadership and finally the mayor. There can be no excuse for this ongoing “we against them” by people who take the oath that you have published.
The question I have is “how can this be reversed?” Why do we, the very people who pay for these unwanted acts, have to put up with this ongoing abuse? I am serious in my question and do not need to read a number of “opinions”. Again, what can be done to stop this?
Ron_the_Cop on November 06 at 10:53 a.m.
Albert,
I too was outraged by this display of insubordination, disrespect, and contempt shown for the rule of law, the sanctity of the court and of course to the family.
Brian Breen is in the process of investigating this incident and filing a formal IA complaint with the SPD. I will too file my own complaint. I will give instructions based later today for all those that feel the same way can also join in to demand that these officers be disciplined.
I’m also hearing a group is forming to address the City Council tomorrow night to demand action. Since it on the eve of election night perhaps they will dig their head out of the sand long enough to listen.
Does the Mayor and the Council run in fear of the Guild? Something is wrong here? Who runs this City?
The Mayor and the Council need an motivational and attitude adjustment from WE THE PEOPLE that it is WE THE PEOPLE that the police and they work for. Maybe I will attend. I’ve been wanting to tell before he goes out of office President Shogun that he in my opinion is a mediocre attorney:-)
PlanB on November 06 at 11:20 a.m.
Albert,
I concur with your thoughts on the “good” cops completely. For five years, I’ve been waiting for the “good” cops to speak up and do something about the rampant corruption and abuse within the SPD. Crickets.
DickAdams on November 06 at 11:49 a.m.
Albert, I think you hit the nail on the head. Other than the “good cops who have retired” (like for example Brian Breen) not one of the active officers has come forward to explain to us how they think beating Otto to death was justified “or not”. Lets not forget as you stated, where were the high priced Spokane officials that should have done something, but instead tried to cover-up the crime. Starting at the top with Mayor Verner, the CEO in charge of “all city employees” also tried to cover up the sadistic thug Thompson hitting poor OTTO with his custom made billy club so many times. Thompson`s reason I guess was his LA billy club weapon would not break as easily as the SPD issue. What does that say about criminal Thompson? It reminds me of mafia enforcers of those who love their job, arbitrarily killing innocent people.
another_perspective on November 06 at 12:12 p.m.
Officer K. Thomas refused to provide his badge number. IA acknowledges he broke the rules, but wont do anything.
brianrbreen on November 06 at 12:14 p.m.
@grannyc
He has been around so much, LAPD 10 years, Kootenai County Juvenile Probation for a while, Idaho State Police for a while. Kootenai County SO for awhile, and then the SPD for a while. I’m not sure he has been in any one place long enough to draw a decent retirement. Perhaps as a patrolman at age 64 he was counting more on Social Security. Who knows.
Another thing a lot of people might not know is at the time he transferred to the SPD lateral transfers didn’t have to do the polygraph and psychological testing. If I remember correctly in July of 2005 the legislature figured out it might be a good idea to require the testing if a cop had been out of the cop business for 24 consecutive months. Prior to July 2005 the employing agency had to rely on the cops word he didn’t do anything wrong on the previous cop job that he didn’t get caught for. If I’m correct, today if a lateral transfer is under a 24 month break in service you still have to rely on his/her word. I never could figure this whole thing out about lateral transfers. I do know it is cheaper to hire that way.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not implying that there is anything at all nefarious with any of the SPD lateral transfers or Karl Thompson. I just don’t understand the strategy.
In the interest of transparency. I didn’t have to take a polygraph or do psychological testing when I went on the job. I did take two after I got on the job when I was confronted with IA complaints. I didn’t have to take a polygraph, I demanded one, and boy did that pi$$ the Guild off. They figured if I did it, everyone else would be expected to. As far as any psychological testing is concerned, didn’t need any, everyone knew I was nuts.
I’m confused, fill me in if you would, what is a “ PURS I” pension?
crossfire on November 06 at 12:19 p.m.
I bet if you put a 505 sticker on your back windshield you’d get carte blanche througout the city these days.
crossfire on November 06 at 12:24 p.m.
Then again Lewis might flatten your tires :)
another_perspective on November 06 at 12:34 p.m.
PERS/TERS are state pensions. Normally for teachers and non classified personnel.
I think its now at III.
Prior to 75 (I) you could retire at 50% and 25 years as a teacher.
It flushed out a lot of teachers whom now days stay on to get retirement long after the mummy has dessicated.
brianrbreen on November 06 at 12:38 p.m.
@another_perspective
I was aware of PERS, just not “PURS”. Thompson would have had to of been LEOFF II on the SPD.
GaryP on November 06 at 12:45 p.m.
I don’t have a problem with 50 officers(as long as off duty) going to the courthouse to show support for a long time co-worker by being in quiet, respectful attendance. Where it crossed the line was standing to salute in the presence of the Zehm family. I think the intent was to simply say goodbye to Thompson but the appearence was horrible. Made cops look bad everywhere.
Thompson is a good person and a lifelong police officer that handled the Zehm incident poorly(excessive force). It’s hard for an officer to see someone like Thompson going to jail when there are career criminals in Spokane that roam free. Many people will have a hard time trusting the police. And many police will have a hard time believing in what they do.
Some of said that most of the department needs to be fired or quit or something to that effect. I believe many will be so disgruntled by this that they will leave on their own. Not going to be easy finding replacements. The truth is most people can’t qualify to work as a police officer due to the requirements(background, physical, psychologic testing, etc etc.) The truth is also that most people wouldn’t do that job no matter what it paid…
GaryP on November 06 at 12:54 p.m.
I believe with the right leadership, the SPD could be a proud place to work again. Kirkpatrick was found guilty of “outrage” and “retribution” and cost us taxpayers over $700,000!
So why did Mehring and why will Det Harvey and others get a lot of money. Because they deserve it for how Kirkpatrick treated them. In a nutshell, Kirkpatrick and the city leadership took the stance in 2006 that Thompson did absolutely nothing wrong when most felt otherwise. As a result, Kirkpatrick and city officials fired everyone after that on mere allegations, without waiting for the truth to come out so they could show the public that they were “strict” and bring attention away from Thompson.
Kirkpatrick and the city leader’s incompetence will cost us taxpayers millions….
Shelala on November 06 at 1:05 p.m.
Speaking as a mother who recently lost a son, I am sickened by these officer’s actions. You have no idea of the soul crushing pain of losing a child. I can’t begin to imagine the pain associated with losing a son in these circumstances. My heart bleeds for Zehm’s mother. Had I have been in the courtroom, I would have had to have been restrained lest I had attempted to break the 50 or so saluting arms of Spokane’s “ finest”.
Lewis on November 06 at 1:26 p.m.
crossfire your wrong it takes a gun to take out tires i would throw urine full pop bottles at their windshields.
Lewis on November 06 at 1:37 p.m.
dick after Brian retired the last of the good cops left the police force now we are stuck with military minded losers out to get another notch on their gun. and a free two week paid vacation.
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 2:19 p.m.
I’m also hearing a group is forming to address the City Council tomorrow night to demand action. Since it on the eve of election night perhaps they will dig their head out of the sand long enough to listen.
-Ron the Cop
I would like to be part of this.
greenlibertarian@gmail.com
Does anyone know what time and what courtroom Thompson will appear at tomorrow?
misjustice on November 06 at 2:28 p.m.
Green, it was the Yakima judge which presided over the initial criminal trial that is going to conduct the hearing over the federal judge’s decision that allowed Thompson to be jailed.
My guess is it that the Monday afternoon hearing would be in Yakima? Not sure, just guessing…
The_Seer on November 06 at 2:32 p.m.
Wouldn’t statements on a “We Support Karl Thompson” Facebook page by SPD members be a violation of the chief’s gag order?
The_Seer on November 06 at 2:34 p.m.
As for the council, I don’t think any of them are up or running for election?
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 3:00 p.m.
misjustice on November 06 at 2:28 p.m.
Green, it was the Yakima judge which presided over the initial criminal trial that is going to conduct the hearing over the federal judge’s decision that allowed Thompson to be jailed.
My guess is it that the Monday afternoon hearing would be in Yakima? Not sure, just guessing…
Except that the incident when Klubber was taken into custody was before a Spokane Magistrate judge, right? It seemed to me the Trial Judge in Yakima assigned the matter of custody to this local Magistrate and the entire scene played out in a Spokane courtroom, I’m guessing the Foley Federal Building and Courthouse.
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 3:07 p.m.
The_Seer on November 06 at 2:34 p.m.
As for the council, I don’t think any of them are up or running for election?
Richard Rush is in a tough re-election fight.
misjustice on November 06 at 3:08 p.m.
Green, you’re probably correct…all I know about the hearing is that it is supposed to be at 4 p.m. on Monday. I guess you could just follow the off duty SPD to find out; sure they’ll be there to show their “support”.
misjustice on November 06 at 3:12 p.m.
Erin probably knows:
Erin Blessing
Another shift over and 24/7 I think of Karl and how wrong this is. I go through waves of emotion especially when I think of my friend sitting alone where he is. I am frustrated, heartbroken, and wish things were different. 100% 505
Liberalsblow on November 06 at 3:36 p.m.
I think you should all go to city council and bellow and they will see exactly what type of people you really are. LOL
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 3:42 p.m.
I was JUST about to post that Misj.
This is what I mean when I say Klubber has a cult-like following.
How in the HELL can this officer be doing her JOB 100% when 24/7 she’s thinking about Klubber, waves of emotion, frustrated, & heartbroken.
Hey Erin, take some of your taxpayer provided GENEROUS sick leave time and STAY HOME if all you can do is ruminate about Klubber.
Hey Chief Kirkpatrict, how about a mental health check on officer Erin Blessing? She’s obviously beyond distraught to the point of OCD.
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 3:46 p.m.
Liberalsblow on November 06 at 3:36 p.m.
I think you should all go to city council and bellow and they will see exactly what type of people you really are. LOL
Well we know what kind of sick person you are, Liberalsblow. You think it’s just dandy to spit on The Constitution, club the daylights out of a helpless citizen, allow sworn officers to lie with impunity, and have SPD officers violate departmental policy by sending a message of SCREW YOU to a court of law.
Disgusting and despicable.
misjustice on November 06 at 3:49 p.m.
I don’t think that Erin Blessing should be at work…the above posts, and others made by her on the We Heart Karl FaceBook Page, show a woman that is too emotionally fragile to be at work.
She needs a mental health evaluation, and possibly some time off to “heal”… lest she take her frustration out on a citizen.
Ron_the_Cop on November 06 at 4:48 p.m.
For those wondering here’s the calender for the federal court tomorrow:
04:00PM - 11/07/2011 2:2009-cr-00088-FVS
USA v Thompson Motion Hearing - Spokane
It wouldn’t surprise me if the judge orders the courtroom closed except for the press and members of the Zehm family because of the display of disdain and defiance to the court. Perhaps only SPD officers will be prevented from entering the courtroom under theft of contempt. I may try to go but I have a prior commitment at 3:00PM.
As for the City Council meeting, the legislative session starts tomorrow at 6:00PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. There are no items on the current agenda regarding the police department. You can read the agenda here. Go to the left side rail and click on 11-07-11:
http://www.spokanecity.org/government/citycouncil/
If you wish to address the Council on a matter not on the published agenda you will have to do it during the Open Forum which is usually at the end of the agenda.
If you do come to speak sign in on the Open Forum roster just outside the Council chambers. You will have three minutes. Might be useful to bring your own egg timer as President Shogun’s timer seems to run fast or slow sometimes depending on your topic and if your on the in or out at the moment.
If you get under President Shogun’s skin he will cut you off and in some cases have you escorted out by the SPD officer who is in attendance to provide security.
DON’T even think about expressing your opinion that Mr. Shogun is a mediocre attorney. That will get you thrown out in a heartbeat;-) Also no signs, banners and or applause permitted. No hats to be worn when you approach the podium. Henry, a Council gadfly will probably have a position too.
Gee I wonder if SPD officers pulled a stunt like they did on Friday in the Council Chambers if such action would cause cognitive dissonance for President Shogan having been a vet who served in Vietnam.
Sunshinegurl on November 06 at 5:37 p.m.
@ronthecop, or anyone who knows…will Karl be wearing standard issue garb?
Lewis on November 06 at 5:57 p.m.
for the group standing together to ask the council to investigate the 50+ officers i want to join group or i will say my own piece contact me at
lewis8457@yahoo.com
misjustice on November 06 at 6:27 p.m.
Poor Erin:
“Erin Blessing good thing about facebook, feels good to know others feel same, big sigh,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,”
about an hour ago.
Nothing like a FaceBook page that supports a convicted FELON after a long day at work…
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 6:58 p.m.
Anybody listening to a police scanner?
I just watched a guy get arrested, I think, for DUI.
Right around 6:20 pm.
Shoulder of the FWY, westbound, just past the Altamont bridge.
I was out for a stroll, some some lights flashing, thought it was construction work again..
Then I see the cop cars, three of them. Suspect is right in the middle of field sobriety test, office is shining something in his eyes. In that instant, I wanted to call out to the guy,
DO EXACTLY WHAT HE TELLS YOU TO DO, AND NOTHING ELSE, YOUR LIFE IS LITERALLY AT STAKE!
I was scared to death for the guy. I’m still shaking.
Because of the angle, I couldn’t tell if these were WSP, Sheriff, or SPD, basically from below I can see the cars from the middle of the doors up. No light bars on top.
I didn’t say anything because I was afraid. And of course it was none of my business, but still…
And then I think what if the guy flinches or looks my direction if I call out to him, cop reacts badly and takes him down…
The two other cops were standing next to their cruisers passenger door with their hands on their gun holsters.
I figured it wasn’t smart to stay around so I kept going on my walk. When I returned 10 minutes later, the cruiser furthest back was gone, two officers appeared to having a conversation. suspect was no where to be seen. The cops parted, one got in his cruiser and took off.
I decided I’d better not “loiter” any longer.
It disgusts me that I have such fear now, and in ALL (6 or 7) I’ve been pulled over I never felt afraid, and was always treated well.
Then there was Otto. Shonto. The 4th of July incident when I was right there and threatened with arrest for just WATCHING those “anarchist” kids.
This is not right, not at all.
I need a drink.
I’m sure a bad guy went away to jail tonight and that’s a very good thing. THANK YOU, Officers, whoever you are.
But…
Soros!
I’m going to have ANOTHER drink!
Karaokegirl on November 06 at 7:29 p.m.
When I read the Inlander’s story about Justice for Otto, it tugged at my heart for him and made me think about what a disgrace this police officer Thompson is. As I read further about how he had given all of his assets to his spouse in their “divorce” yet they were still living together, i felt anger at how horribly selfish this so called “police officer” really was. He beats, tasers and kills an innocent civilian trying to buy a soda & Snickers bar….yet he’s worried about his material posessions when this man is dead! He should have been charged with at least manslaughter, wouldn’t that be the charge for all of us?
I hope those girls that made the call feel bad for the rest of their lives, judging another human being as they did.
It makes me worry about members of my family & friends who may be going to the store on any given day.. if they look at someone wrong will they be assaulted or killed by a member of the police force?
Finally, after reading about how those officers saluted Thompson in that courtroom, I felt outraged! I hope those officers all realize how bad they made the city of Spokane and it’s police force look. They should definitely be reprimanded and each should send an apology to the Zehm family for their lack of consideration, lack of judgement and royal stupidity.
I’m sorry but it had to be said! Please DO NOT re-elect the city officials involved in this…. Spokane already looks bad enough!
misjustice on November 06 at 7:33 p.m.
Karaokegirl, thanks for your post and your insight…
P.S. Don’t apologize for your thoughts…they are spot on!
Orphan on November 06 at 7:33 p.m.
Green You have all the reason in the world to be in fear of the SPD, I feel much like you do.
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 7:37 p.m.
Wow, just found you can listen to the Police and Fire Scanner traffic online:
http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/?ctid=2989
Altho I don’t think I’ve heard any Police calls yet, hard to tell, maybe a slow night.
Broadcasting Police, Fire and Airport Communications for Spokane County, Spokane City, Spokane Valley, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls
It’s kind of cryptic and I think you have to learn the “lingo”.
Could be the U2 Album Rattle and Hum I’m also listening to…
another_perspective on November 06 at 7:39 p.m.
Thompson is a Konvicted Klubber and should be in standard Federal Prison garb. except his probably has some kind of reverse protective chastity belt built in underneath.
If he isn’t lead into the courtroom in handcuffs, then he is probably receiving preferential treatment and in violation of U.S. marshals regulations.
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 7:52 p.m.
Orphan on November 06 at 7:33 p.m.
Green You have all the reason in the world to be in fear of the SPD, I feel much like you do.
Thanks man. It’s like questioning my own sanity. Don’t like it. Don’t WANT to be paranoid, or wonder if a guy getting pulled over is going to get beat down.
I could envision one of those cops coming down the embankment, hopping the fence, and coming after me.
Or jumping in his cruiser, take the Altamont on-ramp backwards, go the wrong way the couple of blocks down Third where I was.
Or calling one of the SPD patrol vehicles that are often seen in this ‘hood to go check out the “suspicious person” (me) who was just watching them for a few minutes.
Not right.
misjustice on November 06 at 7:59 p.m.
Green, glad you are safely home and back at your Bronze Age computer. Plus thanks for the link; I bookmarked it…
Ron_the_Cop on November 06 at 8:19 p.m.
I’m in the process of writing my complaint letter to Tim Burns SPD Ombudsman in support of Brian Breen’s complaint he intends to file. Burns can take IA complaints. I will link to my complaint letter in another post.
Brian Breen, a former SPD Major Crimes detective, has said he will do an investigation to identify those SPD officers that were present either on or off duty. Brian will PDR requests for time cards and duty rosters:
If you are too outraged by this display of disrespect please feel free to write/email/fax Tim Burns in support of his complaint:
Office of Police Ombudsman
The Old City Hall Building
221 N. Wall Street, Suite 238
Spokane, Washington 99201
(509) 625-6742
SPDombudsman@spokanecity.org
Fax (509) 625-6748
Lewis on November 06 at 8:22 p.m.
green thank god you weren’t carrying a pop bottles they might have called out the swat team.
be careful out there the SPD is out of bounds and they think that is normal procedure
monkeyman on November 06 at 8:23 p.m.
In relation to the few last comments - iPhone App for police scanner.
5-0 Radio Police Scanner Lite (Free)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/5-0-radio-police-scanner-lite/id356336433?mt=8
Liberalsblow on November 06 at 8:56 p.m.
Lewis how are you posting these things. Isn’t the library closed?
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 9:20 p.m.
Liberalsblow on November 06 at 8:56 p.m.
Liberalsblow how are you posting these things. Isn’t the porn shop closed?
reservedparking on November 06 at 9:20 p.m.
Green: Per scanner: DUI. WSP. Idaho vehicle.
Truthhurts on November 06 at 9:24 p.m.
“The courtroom behavior of some officers, though protected as free speech, does not reflect the values we stand for.”
I doubt this is free speech.
50 priests would be in trouble (at last) if they stood in open court and saluted convicted pedophiles.
50 surgeons would be in trouble if they stood in open court and saluted a surgeon who butchered patients on purpose.
50 teachers would be in trouble if they stood in open court and saluted a colleague convicted of statutory rape of a student.
50 police officers who salute a convicted felon, charged with unjustified brutality (that ended in death), should lose their jobs.
And if 50 city attorneys assisted in the cover-up of the truth about Zehm’s death, they should lose their jobs, too.
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 9:31 p.m.
Ron, thanks for all your helpful information.
brianrbreen on November 06 at 9:45 p.m.
I wasn’t going to post this but it needs to be said. I am not sure if these officers have any idea what they have done, not only from the standpoint of showing disrespect for the Zehm family, and by there actions and statements showing contempt for our system of criminal justice, and in turn the Constitution they have sworn to uphold. But beyond that we have Officer Preuninger a defense tactics expert with the SPD who testified as such in the defense for Karl Thompson supposedly not having a bias when he took the witness stand. For cripe sake he saluted and was crying when Thompson was led from the courtroom. What would that tell anyone on that jury that reads these media reports, or anyone else for that matter, other then the jury did the right thing and they were correct in seeing through the bias. I wonder if Officer Preuninger now realizes that with his salute and his tears he is worthless as a witness if Thompson were ever to be granted a retrial. Did that ever dawn on any of these officers, that saluted, and were witnesses in Thompson’s behalf?
When I read a statement like this on a facebook page from an SPD Officer with 10-11 years of experience, I’ve got to ask myself, is this real or just a bad dream?
Rick Atkins
The Department of Justice that locked up Karl is the same DOJ that engaged in witness tampering and intimidation to do so. This is the same DOJ that refused to prosecute the black panthers for voter intimidation. The same DOJ that is locking up Border Patrol Agents. The same DOJ that supplied drug cartels with thousands of firearms leading to the murders of over 200 Mexican nationals, two Americans, and dozens of violent crimes here in the U.S. Now you tell me who the criminals are and who needs to be locked up.
Officer Atkins you sir and your department are looking down the barrel of a Patterns and Practice move against your department by the DOJ. Do you have any understanding of what that means? Do you know how much fuel your public statement adds to the fire of an out of control police department? If that’s what you really believe happened in this case that’s your right. But did ever think about how a P and P might affect not only you, but also some of the cops on the job that don’t share your opinion, and the reputation of the Department as a whole? Don’t you read or is it that you just don’t care? My God man shame on you!
You got your badge Officer, go lock them up!
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/nov/05/whats-next-investigations-sentencing-are-pending/
Ed Byrnes on November 06 at 10:16 p.m.
Brian, thank you for sharing the story link.
The P and P investigation at the federal level is exactly what this city and the SPD need.
I am impressed that Chief Kirkpatrick is at least saying publicly that she will cooperate with such an investigation.
I will sleep a little easier tonight knowing that a P and P investigation is at least being discussed openly.
It will be rough going in our community for a while but like any wound, sometimes it hurts a bit at the beginning of the healing.
Ed Byrnes
nslopeofw on November 06 at 10:19 p.m.
Liberalsblow-
Normally i would read your writings with interest, as you obviously dont like liberal policy, but after reading your rants, i can see that you have no understanding of politics, and are no more than a hate criminal. I really hope you are not a cop, cause if you are, we are in trouble. To blindly support a cop CONVICTED of crimes, shows how ignorant you are. Now if you are related to karl, i can understand your loyalty, but that is the only way. Time for you to give up your hate, and follow the oath you recited. If you choose not to, then you need to quit the force. If you have this much hate for those that pay your salary, i suggest you join the armed services, and ask for combat. Then you can use all the badazzed training you have to kill taliban. Heal or quit. Its your choice. If you dont, then expect the feds to throw you a party. Then you and Karl can hang out together in PC.
brianrbreen on November 06 at 10:28 p.m.
Ed,
I didn’t think it had a chance. But now that several members of the SPD have clearly, and continue to clearly demonstrate their lack of respect for the Criminal Justice System and in turn the Constitution they swore to uphold, I think the chances are better and better.
greenlibertarian on November 06 at 10:29 p.m.
reservedparking on November 06 at 9:20 p.m.
Green: Per scanner: DUI. WSP. Idaho vehicle.
Thanks. I did want to know.
PlanB on November 06 at 10:43 p.m.
Brian, all your posts are excellent but that last one stands out.
Those meatheads have no clue that their actions remove all legitimacy of the SPD as a law enforcement agency. They have severely compromised public safety because of a total lack of integrity. Ironically they have made their jobs much more difficult and dangerous, a danger they have created because of their contempt for anyone who isn’t part of their “brotherhood”. But they are too stupid to see that. It truly is a lawless gang and they should be treated as such.
I’m no radical. I’m just a regular guy. I’m not in law enforcement, I don’t know the law in detail, and courtroom antics amuse and confuse me. But every person has a right to feel and be safe. That is definitely NOT the case here in Spokane. We need a radical solution to this radical situation. The city needs to arrange for alternate law enforcement and fire every single SPD officer. Anyone who wishes to join the SPD should be able to do so but should be contractually obligated to be held accountable to the standards that already exist but are being ignored.
There’s nothing radical about that. It should be the norm.
Lewis on November 06 at 10:55 p.m.
Liberalsblow no your mommy let me use your computer, didn’t she tell you?
Ed Byrnes on November 06 at 11:35 p.m.
Brian,
I was also pessimistic about the prospects of a P & P investigation.
Imagine the smile when I read the story as I can imagine yours. Not for some punitive reason, rather for the increased hope for positive realignment of the agency.
You hit the nail on the head about some LEOs escalating the situation through their actions. The feds were most likely taking notes on the statements of the LEOs who testified at the trial, but it seems that some of the statements on the FB page and the courtroom behavior added a spark to the kindling left by the trial.
I understand anyone wanting to support a friend, that’s normal human behavior. When some LEOs took it to the level that they did in writing about their contempt for civilians who speak up, and their theatrics on Friday, that exceeded the boundary of supporting a friend.
I believe you and I share the perspective that there are many SPD officers, the majority in fact, who are highly ethical and are hamstrung by an organizational climate where standing up for ethical practices is blockaded by a combination of inept leadership and too many colleagues who shouldn’t be their colleagues. I am hoping that a P & P investigation will change things so that these ethical officers can flourish and some of them can take the lead. It won’t be easy but that possibility makes it worth the pain, for both the SPD and us civilians.
I know that many of my fellow civilians who I am usually aligned with have been calling for some rapid and perhaps rash actions, yet a P & P investigation gives us a systematic and purposeful route to actually achieve a good outcome.
Well now I am rambling and getting redundant so I am signing off.
Ed
ChefGus/ John Olsen on November 07 at 5:37 a.m.
Good morning folks… find below a letter/email to City Council, the Mayor and the Review editorial staff this morning. My view is that we should fill up the chamber at city council meeting tonight and all sign up for the Open Forum…and do NOT let President Joe shut us down when we all say the same sort of thing… three minutes…written presentations by a plethora of citizens MAY get some press.. who knows? Best John
Good Morning President Joe, Mayor Mary and Council members…. you will find a link below to the New York Times this morning…. We as citizens continue, around the entire country to bemoan the state of “policing” in our towns and cities.. and have had this on the front burner for years. We have found no relief in policies and procedures and methods, and very very limited success on gaining police oversight… not just here in Spokane but in all of our country.
I do not like to be a broken record.. but… Your charge… your primary charge is to first defend the Constitution of the United States… First Charge..! and most important charge.
It remains abundantly clear that the police in this city, under your jurisdiction and control are making the citizens afraid, and our fear is that our Civil Rights will continue to be not honored. There are many among us that are in a process to effect change in this, and to bring to you who sit as our leaders the reality of your primary and most important charge under your oath.
I likely do not need to remind you of the horrific, yes horrific display of “police power” that was displayed in a court room, where a convicted felon was saluted by 48 or so Spokane Police officers, which flies directly in the face of our Civil Rights.
Please step up to the microphone tonight in the City Council Meeting and make a committed public statement that you Will deal with this, not soon, not eventually, but NOW.
Dr John A Olsen aka Chef Gus
Sadbuttrue on November 07 at 5:54 a.m.
This mass in-court salute business amplifies and supports the DOJ’s theory that basically the SPD is a corrupt, gratuitously violent, dishonest criminal syndicate that energetically and organizationally conspired to obstruct justice.
Here, cops openly and warmly support a convicted felon who was convicted by a unanimous jury of knowingly lying in a criminal investigation. There are several lessons that are obvious and every civilian should learn for their own safety:
- You can no longer believe a single word that any SPD cop says, in or outside of court. It would thus behoove you to videotape every single interaction with any member of the SPD. You have a cellphone camera, use it and be wise.
- Your life is clearly in imminent danger with any interaction with a member of the SPD. Warn your family and freinds to avoid Spokane at all costs. Do not frequent Spokane businesses. Stay away and stay inside.
Liberalsblow on November 07 at 7:11 a.m.
funny that I haven’t really posted anything other than arguing the 1st ammendment rights other than a few jabs at those that attack me.
Yet I must be a cop since I argue civil rights. what an irony here amoungst you all.
Please, please go down to city council and show yourselfs. Don’t hide behind you anonimity here
I hope the city tries to violate the civil rights of those officers. The guild is going to be rich and powerful.
Open_Spokane on November 07 at 7:16 a.m.
Free speech or not, the City of Spokane engaged in a cover-up of the facts about the Otto Zehm case from the very start.
Our boys and girls in blue were encouraged from their leadership only to believe City of Spokane side of the story.
All police departments are para-military organizations. Blind obedience is required if you want to keep your job. In Spokane, if you want to advance up the ranks then you have to put your conscience in your back pocket and believe what you are told to believe.
Their demonstration of support for Thompson was akin to a young child saying good-bye to the Easter Bunny. After being told for years, the Easter Bunny really existed.
The Jury in Yakima, announced that the Easter Bunny had died.
The most disturbing aspect of those 30 officers is that someday one of them will become the Police Chief of Spokane.
Liberalsblow on November 07 at 7:30 a.m.
a little google of Breeny shows that there was a Breen in the SPD in the 70’s
oh it was real dangerous back then. No gang members in town. No russian mafia. The average high school kid did not do drugs.
Oh Breeny you are my hero now that I know you know absolutely nothing about what you speak.
misjustice on November 07 at 7:48 a.m.
Liberalsblow = Flag as inappropriate.
Please Liberalsblow, before you are banned from these threads, give us your “real” name so that we may Google you…
Liberalsblow on November 07 at 7:55 a.m.
I’ll probably get banned because only liberals get away with throwing around insults
brianrbreen on November 07 at 8:11 a.m.
@misjustice
Don’t flag it I need it.
@Liberalsblow
Brian R. Breen 1969-1995. Call me whatever you want. I could care less, and “Coward” is fine or “Breeny”, which ever you prefer. I am a little busy right now, but if you have any questions, I’ll try and get back to answer them.
misjustice on November 07 at 8:23 a.m.
From the WE Heart Karl FaceBook Page:
Erin Blessing
I feel the need to clarify at least one of the ridiculous claims the media has made lately,,this is regarding when Karl was taken into custody. Media reported SPD officers turned their back on the federal agents that walked Karl out,,,that was not what happened! Agents were originally going to walk him out a sidedoor which had officers standing in front of it..so the officers turned sideways to make room! Agents then decided to walk him out across the courtroom. SPD knew it had to be difficult to be in the federal agents situation, tough spot.
Once again, media paints a biased, untruthful claim about officers,,,whatever works for their campaign against LE. 100% 505
Like · Comment · 12 hours ago ·
Janice Colburn, Heather Watkins-Lickfold, Britt Taylor and 7 others like this..
Joy Hand McDonald This is sad, I am so sorry.
11 hours ago.
Richard Michael Stallcup I couldn’t agree more with your comments Erin. I was there and saw what took place in the court room. What some of the press said they saw and heard is a fabrication.
3 hours ago ·
Well, folks, there you have it. According to Officer Blessing, SPD only turned their backs on the officers of the court because of logistically tight quarters; and not due to disdain for the legal system. Whew! Glad to have that cleared up by Officer Blessing.
I’m also glad for the FaceBook comments and the clarity that Officer Blessing and others provide for what REALLY happened.
Ed Byrnes on November 07 at 8:25 a.m.
Brian, I flagged the ones with personal attacks before I read your message. Sorry, I always do that with the personal attack ones, even the ones against me that I reply to.
I did take screen shots of the personal attacks so email me if you need them.
I am grateful to liberalsblow for the humor in their posting: “Please, please go down to city council and show yourselfs. Don’t hide behind you anonimity here.” because this same poster told me they won’t disclose their name in this forum. The humor is obvious in this.
At this point liberalsblow has erected straw man arguments in response to attempts at serious discussion and has alleged that collectively we are ex-cons and anarchists, and has personally attacked a fellow poster twice. This has all the appearances of trolling, and we all know what to do…
I recommend that we ignore liberalsblow as we have with other trolls.
Ed
misjustice on November 07 at 8:26 a.m.
Another illuminating post by Officer Blessing which is connected to my above post:
Erin Blessing I was shocked when I read it,,,the room was packed and everyone was standing, media was in the complete opposite corner,,glad they had x-ray vision to see through and over 60 people and were able to hear the conversation of the agents who were talking by karl. talk about disgraceful reporting
12 hours ago ·
The_Seer on November 07 at 8:27 a.m.
blowslibs: Get used to saluting your fellow officers. You’ll get lots of practice in the years to come.
I never said you were a cop. I think you are Thompson and you smuggled a smart phone into your cell the “old fashioned’ way.
Sideways.
If the Russian Mafia and gangs are a huge problem here in Spokane, whose fault is that? I can remember a time when they weren’t here and I remember paying taxes for a police force all that time. What happened and who dropped the ball?
More like “who’s on their dime.”
Ed Byrnes on November 07 at 8:27 a.m.
MisJ, thank you for starting off my morning with a laugh :)
Ron_the_Cop on November 07 at 8:57 a.m.
Liberalsblow,
Now you’ve gone and done it. Bad move you’ve just got yourself on Brian’s radar. This may be even worse than the US DOJ that I’m sure did not miss this show of support on Friday by members of the SPD. Trust me from experience to be under the microscope of the US DOJ is not a pleasant thing for anybody and would not wish it on others. However with this misdirected/misguided and uniformed show of support you just may have tipped the scales. As I’ve tried to say, yes, this may have been protected free speech but within the sanctity of the court a judge may consider it contempt of court. Also officers as a condition of their employment are also subject to discipline for violating SPD policy mandates both on and off duty.
And yes I did spend my time on the streets about 12 years and had bad buys shot during the service of my search warrants that were about to shoot officers. We lost six officers to gun related murders during my tenure and just lost a seventh. Yes we are paramilitary in civilian law enforcement but we must remember our rules of engagement are different than those of the military. It is the citizens we must serve and protect. It is easy to circle the wagons and to withdraw into a schema of “them vs. us.” But not all citizens are bad guys. Yes we are sheepdogs but I would encourage all LE officers to read this piece:
http://www.killology.com/sheep_dog.htm
On Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs
(From the book, On Combat, by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman)
… The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the sheepdog must not, cannot and will not ever harm the sheep. Any sheepdog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in a representative democracy or a republic such as ours. . .
I don’t wish to be the bearer of bad news but Ofc. Thompson made many serious tactical and procedural errors that night that resulted in the death of Otto Zehm. Worse he lied about it. What concerns me even more is the cover-up initiated by the SPD police command staff, the City Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Mayor.
Trust me I’m not in the Chief’s and or the Sheriff’s most favored status right now for many reasons because I will call a shovel a shovel when I see it. Fortunately I’m not on either payroll so I’m free to speak my mind. You, Brian I can agree that Chief Kirkpatrick should have been fired immediately for a number of things that the Guild does have legitimate grievances and management issues as witnessed by a number of cases she has lost to Atty Bob Dunn.
This has cost and will cost WE TAXPAYERS millions of dollars we don’t have.
Sorry my friend.
Det. Ron Wright (Retired - Riverside PD, CA 1971 to 2005)
The_Seer on November 07 at 8:58 a.m.
I don’t see why police are so concerned about Karl anyway. Haven’t they all said what a great guy he is with a naturally gregarious disposition? He’ll make LOTS of new friends in prison.
knj8403 on November 07 at 9:13 a.m.
How are we supposed to have any faith in our police officers? By all appearances SPD officers fully support the harming or killing of innocent people. Saluting Thompson in court and wearing the blue “505” wristband in his support sends a very clear message to the public: SPD officers support the brutal beating of citizens. SPD officers will lie to investigators and will collaborate their stories as desperately as the offenders they arrest. Their malevolence and contempt for the public they are sworn to protect is clear. A “505” wristband on an officer sends a powerful message to the community: if you have the unfortunate circumstance of having to interact with one of these “505” band wearing thugs, fully expect to have your civil liberties violated. SHAME on the so called “peace” officers who salute a killer and wear wrist bands in support of his actions. Shame on the supposed SPD leadership that seems to allow and foster such behavior.
misjustice on November 07 at 9:20 a.m.
This recent post on the WE Heart Thompson FaceBook Page is made by someone that identifies themselves as a City of Spokane employee:
Rick Atkins
I’m praying for your freedom Karl!
Like · Comment · a few seconds ago via mobile · .
I wonder which City Department Mr. Atkins works in?
amn on November 07 at 9:39 a.m.
Liberalsblow,
You have no idea who Brian Breen is. Besides my father, he is the man I respect most. When he was our coach, he taught us respect and discipline. Clearly, the SPD lacked both by their outlandish display at the Federal Courthouse. Put simply, if Mr. Breen says there is a problem, there is. He would know better than anyone. I would suggest you just crawl back under the bridge from where you came before he takes you over his knee and spanks you like a little child.
Lewis on November 07 at 10:09 a.m.
Liberalsblow your the one hiding use your real name coward!
Lewis on November 07 at 10:31 a.m.
I saw something this morning that made me proud to live in spokane, 5 cop cars responded to a call at 4400 block North Adams and they were being watched by neighbors standing on their front lawns, young and old.
if you see a cop interacting with a citizen stop and watch. take pictures if you are able let them know we see them as children that can not be trusted.
hope to see you all at city council meeting tonight!
misjustice on November 07 at 11:04 a.m.
I’m surprised that more folks don’t set the security features on their FaceBook page; I’ve been able to view all sorts of information about folks that contribute to the WE Heart Thompson page, from schools to employers to political rants to the movies and teevee shows they like to family photos, and even vacation photos…it’s all there for anyone that cares to look for it…
brianrbreen on November 07 at 11:08 a.m.
Thanks “amn”, you have no idea how much that means to me or how much strength that gives me.
Shelala on November 07 at 11:26 a.m.
I believe that these officer’s actions and attitudes reflect the attitudes and values of their leaders. Somewhere along the line, these officers have developed the attitude that they are special with privileges both on and off duty, far beyond those of a so called normal citizen. Instead of providing them with “people” skills, sound investigative abilities and instilling a sense of integrity and respect for the law they have been hired to.uphold, their leaders choose to arm them to the gills with all the latest weaponry, train them in how to use it to the maximum effect and purposely developed a us vs them attitude. A quick look at the titles of their training courses speaks volumes.Yes, it’s a violent world we live in, it always has been. Have we learned nothing? Citizen backlash was bound to happen and Karl Thompson lit the fuse.The officers in the courtroom had a choice to demonstrate their respect for the laws they are trained to uphold even if they may not agree with them or show the public they play by their own rules. They failed miserably. They also did a huge disservice to those officers who do not share your beliefs and are trying to do their job effectively in these circumstances.
Ron_the_Cop on November 07 at 11:32 a.m.
Brian,
I have filed a formal complaint with SPD Ombudsman Tim Burns regarding the actions of some officers of the SPD in federal court last Friday. I’ve asked that my complaint be merged with your investigation, findings and complaint.
My complaint letter can be read here http://tinyurl.com/6nfysnx. Any who feel this action was disrespectful can also contact Mr. Burns by phone, email and or fax to join in Brian Breen’s complaint.
Office of Police Ombudsman
The Old City Hall Building
221 N. Wall Street, Suite 238
Spokane, Washington 99201
(509) 625-6742
SPDombudsman@spokanecity.org
Fax (509) 625-6748
selkirk on November 07 at 3:00 p.m.
One thing to know before you start video taping Koppers with a cell phone… make sure that the flash is off. Found that out the hard way.
The Koppers were done with their “investigation” of a bar fight and were just standing around B.S.’n on taxpayer dime for over 20 minutes. I thought I should video them doing nothing and for the first 45 seconds, none of the Koppers cared. Then, one Kopper punk decided to make something of it and commanded (not asked) me to turn off the camera. I refused, the cop turned around and came back not 5 seconds later, saying the bartender of the establishment I was at said I had to leave. As I have known that bartender for years, I started to say “No, she wouldn’t want me to leave,” but all the Kopper heard was “No”, so he said I was under arrest for criminal trespass.
The only thing that went through my mind was Otto and being beaten down for saying No to a Kopper! So I put my hands behind my back and went to jail. Did they arrest the person who broke the bartender’s wrist in the fight? The bartender told them that she wanted to press charges and they told her NO.
The worst part was the other Koppers trying to ridicule me. I have a graduation ring that looks nothing like a wedding band, but because it was in my pocket, they assumed I was trying to “pick up skanks and whores” and my wife was going to be “pissed as hell” when she learns where I was and what I was doing.
Felt like I was in high school again.
Lesson learned. Don’t say No to a Kopper, don’t have the flash on when video taping!!!
brianrbreen on November 07 at 3:06 p.m.
@misjustice
The new age of social media, the Internet, tweets, and the like, have made the investigators job so much easier. Back in the day you had to rely on jumping in before the documents were destroyed. You don’t have to do that today, and any effort to destroy a hard drive or server usually speaks for itself(Spokane County) and is hard to justify let alone actually do it. Thank goodness for that, on some of the cases I’ve had to deal with. If you are going to follow the 505 page, you might notice how some folks on the SPD ( mostly supervisors) are trying to mitigate what happened. That’s normal when you realize how badly they/we screwed up. I’m not sure when, or if at any point they will ever come to a realization they screwed up, but this case is devastating to the SPD. I understand a lot of things, with respect to being a cop, I just don’t understand this.
Perhaps I am a coward as “Liberalblows” asserts (not to worry I copied that), but some how I gained some courage and decided to do the right thing. I just hope my confidence isn’t completely destroyed. As you may realize, I know every problem child on that department. As far as Erin Blessing is concerned, not a problem child, just needs to talk to mom for some guidance even if mom feels I’m wrong, she will tell Erin, it’s over and don’t destroy yourself.
II filed this PDR today(one of many I will have to do). I won’t post any more, of what I am going to do, and my purpose is to let people know it wasn’t some kind of a veiled threat. You might notice my phone number and address are deleted. Please give me some respect as far as that is concerned.
Time: 9:25 AM
Name of Requestor: Brian R. Breen
Address of Requestor:
Contact Information: Phone #
Possible location of records: City of Spokane Accounting Department, Payroll Section.
Intent: I intend to inspect the records and obtain copies of those records I deem important.
Special Note: Please find below a digitally signed certification that the list I request will not be used in connection with a commercial business or profit-oriented venture.
Request for Records
Any and all payroll records for commissioned Spokane Police Department personnel assigned to duty between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on the date of November 4, 2011 (Friday). To include all commissioned officers assigned to any unit, including but not limited to, special assignments with a federal, state, or local task force or any similar assignment. To include any and all documentation for compensatory or vacation time taken during the course of such assignment and the date and time submitted by each officer through the payroll submission process established by the Spokane Police Department. Such records to include the name, rank, and personnel number of each officer.
I further request that all documents subject to this request be maintained pursuant to the Washington State Records Retention Schedule.
I understand that Washington State law (RCW 42.56) prohibits the use of lists of individuals for commercial purposes. If applicable to this request, I hereby declare, under penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of the State of Washington, that I will not use this Request for commercial purposes. If applicable, I also acknowledge that I am solely responsible for any consequences or damages arising from my commercial use of the information I am obtaining.
___Brian R. Breen___________
REQUESTOR’S SIGNATURE
Citizen, City of Spokane
_November 7, 2011___________
DATE
BTW: Whoever contacted the national media, my response will be the same as it was on the job. “At this point it would be inappropriate to comment with any degree of specificity until such time as I have had the opportunity to collect all the facts.”
misjustice on November 07 at 3:20 p.m.
Thanks, Brian and Ron, for your efforts.
Like I said upthread, Brian, I am amazed at what stuff folks will post to a FaceBook page especially without locking down the security settings. I didn’t even have to “friend” them to see their personal pages, all I did was click on their avatar on the WE Heart Thompson FaceBook Page and I was taken right to their personal page.
Officers of SPD are not helping their “side” by continuing to post to the WE Heart Thompson FaceBook Page…
I was also fairly surprised at some of the stuff that they “like”…
brianrbreen on November 07 at 4:32 p.m.
@misjustice
If people only knew.
BTW: That is “underthecover”, not “underthecovers”. If you knew, we would never hear the end of it from you. :)
http://www.spokesman.com/profiles/Underthecover/
misjustice on November 07 at 4:49 p.m.
Well, Brian, I can be pesty; and wrong…
; )
All posts using that avatar have been deleted from the profile page.
Obviously, you know.
The only thing not connected to a music band, that I could find thus far, was an old story on a local news site about a hooker…as in prostitute/madam…
Oops, Sheriff’s helo above the domain; either Thompson is being transported outta here or I’m….gotta go, I’m headin to the trap door and underground bunker!
; )
misjustice on November 07 at 6:16 p.m.
To all you nay-sayers…… Here’s another one that didn’t get the chance to ask the offender any questions. Maybe he should have tried to talk him into giving him the gun or “let’s go for a bottle of pop” before he did anything to stop the offense. Yes, maybe he should have not stepped in front of the woman. Yes, maybe Thompson should have just let Zehm do whatever he wanted to do & just let him walk away. Not……….
*************
Detective Michael Morgan, 31, was gunned down saving the life of an innocent. Out celebrating a birthday, Officer Mike was with fellow Officers at a club when, at 0310, while walking a female employee to her vehicle after closing time. A gunman approached, demanding money while grabbing at the woman’s purse. Detective Morgan did not even have a chance to pull his own weapon as he stepped between the innocent and the gunman before the gunman fired a shot.
A round hit the officer in his torso. The shooter fled. Detective Morgan was transported to the hospital a block away by Paterson Police Officers who were in the immediate vicinity searching for a robbery suspect on another call that had gone out moments before. The gunshot wound proved to be fatal and Detective Michael Morgan Jr. was pronounced dead on his 31st birthday.
******************
Yes, I think he should have tried to reason with the man. No clubs, no tasers, just talk him down. He tried to do that….& he was right in doing it. Yes, he was DEAD right.
mary1958 on November 07 at 8:18 p.m.
To JUST ME AGAIN:
I fail to see the connection between an armed robber pointing a loaded gun and a suspicious person in a convenience store holding a soda pop bottle. It is unfortunate that the officer’s instinct was to put himself in front of the woman. He IS a hero.
Thompson is NOT.
mary1958 on November 07 at 9:23 p.m.
I just watched 2 people speak at the city counsel meeting about the salute to Thompson. I want to thank those two gentlemen for their effort on behalf of Spokane. I have just e-mailed Tim Burns of my support of the complaint made by Brian Breen concerning the “salute,” made by 50 Spokane officers. I will also mail a copy.
Dear Mr. Burns,
I am writing in support of Brian Breen’s complaint about the disrespectful display in federal court in Yakima last week. Police Officers are Police officers 24/7.Their behavior is representative of our city and our law enforcement style. It is wholly wrong for those 50 officers to salute a convicted felon. Their presence indicates that they do not remember or practice what they were taught in their academy. I am a former Spokane Officer and I KNOW that what Asst. Chief Nicks finally confessed about Thompson not following procedure is absolutely true. These officers have NO capacity for empathy and therefore will most likely do the same as Thompson did in the future or cover up for another with as much gusto. I wonder how these officers would feel if one of their innocent children were beaten, tasered, hogtied, and deprived of oxygen only to learn that the POLICE supported this in a gang-like fashion. They must be reprimanded or preferably fired using proper procedure.
Outraged,
Mary C. Brown, MS
Former SPD Mar 88-Dec 91
Dignitary Team
Hostage Negotiating Team
TAC Team
Police Academy Report Writing Instructor
5 letters of commendation
nslopeofw on November 07 at 9:25 p.m.
MissJ-
One is his daughter (a military cop), one is his daughter-in-law, so there must be a son in there, and well as other relatives. A bunch are SPD, and some are friends. What you dont see is too many non-law enforcement supporters. There is one older lady that during the trial kept claiming to know LE and people in Yakima, and she kept claiming Karl would be found innocent. She continues to act like she knows what is going to happen in the future, even though she has been wrong so far.
misjustice on November 07 at 9:29 p.m.
Wow! Mary!
Good to know that “good cops”, other than Ron (retired) and Brian (weighed down by the boot of doom) did exist.
Thank you!
Current SPD, what say you?
misjustice on November 07 at 9:32 p.m.
Yeah, north, I poked around on some of their personal pages…made me feel dirty.
That Pat Garza is just a nutter…she also comments on KXLY and is, well, round the bend.
nslopeofw on November 07 at 9:44 p.m.
Justmeagain-
Here is an innocent story for you. A young man, trying to make ends meet with his low paying job, works hard and lives in a crappy apartment. One night after work, he goes into a quick store for something to eat and drink. He didnt go to the liquor display, rather he went for a soda pop. As he was getting ready to move to the candy aisle, some psycho rushes around the corner, and commences to beating him for no reason. After he try’s to get away from the psycho, said psycho shocks him with his taser, and then beats him some more. When the psycho’s first buddy arrives, he tells his buddy to shock this poor man some more. Then a whole bunch of the psycho’s buddies show up, hogtie the young, innocent man, and then suffocated him.
Otto never even had a chance to reason, or do anything with this psycho, before he was beaten, hogtied, and murdered.
I feel bad for the cop that was murdered, and i also feel bad for Otto who was murdered by cop.
This isnt about how tough a LE job is, its about a bunch of LE and city officials lying and covering up a crime committed by one of their peers, and after said peer is convicted of the crime, continuing to support him and threaten to not provide the services for which they are paid, to those who pay them,,,,kind of like children throwing a temper tantrum.
misjustice on November 08 at 11:00 a.m.
Dear Mr. Burns,
I am writing in non-support of Brian Breen’s complaint about the display of support in federal court in Yakima last week. Police Officers are Police officers 24/7 but they are also citizens that have a federal right to free speech. Their behavior is protected by that law. It is totally okay for those 50 officers to salute any person they choose . Their presence indicates that they feel the officer was right in doing his job because he reacted due to the information he was given at the time. I am a citizen of Spokane and have been for the past 35 years. I support the 50+ officers in their right to support their fellow officer. While some citizens feel these officers have NO capacity for empathy and therefore believe they will most likely do the same as Thompson, I disagree. They have shown empathy for a person they feel has been wrongfully convicted of a felony while performing a job he has performed with honor for the past 17+ years.
What difference does it make to wonder how these officers would feel if one of their innocent children were beaten, tasered, hogtied, and deprived of oxygen only to learn that the POLICE supported this in a gang-like fashion? This has not happened and to wonder what they would do in such a case does not have any bearings on this case. Therefore, I believe they should NOT be reprimanded nor fired just because a former officer thinks they should be.
When we lose the individual right to freedom of speech while on our own free time would be a disservice to ALL. When you limit who can and can not speak freely because of a position they hold for employment, then ALL freedoms have been lost for every citizen of this country.
Sincerely yours,
Concerned Citizen of Spokane That Still Believes In The Constitution Of The United States
P.S. When we let the mob mentality of the citizens cry for us to lynch the officer, we have stepped back in history by 100 plus years.
*************
Yes. I think I will send this letter also.
misjustice on November 08 at 11:05 a.m.
****nslopeofw says, “……threaten to not provide the services for which they are paid, to those who pay them……****
This has not happened & for you to say it has is an outright lie.
The above statement is being said by a person that has nothing but animosity of law enforcement. Your claims are not even being processed anymore as you are like the boy crying wolf!
crossfire on November 08 at 4:02 p.m.
@JustMeAgain “threaten to not provide the services for which they are paid, to those who pay them”
This was reported by the media as a quote from the We support Karl Thompson facebook page. I believe it was an SPD officer that made that statement. She said something to the effect that they should throw the lambs “us” to the wolves and not protect us anymore.
detroitdude on November 08 at 4:44 p.m.
@nslopeofwa, 11/7 9:44pm: Great post and you hit the nail on the head perfectly.
@JustMeAgain: Your long winded post to Mr. Burns is actually disgusting. Regardless, these 50 cops wanted to show solidarity, or whatever to Thompson, they may have been within their rights to express it. Whatever happened to just having a little class, and not throwing a tantrum because you don’t get your way? If this was a 50/50 case and/or something very difficult in which to establish the facts, I might be more sympathetic to Thompson, the convict.
However, the video does not lie, you better be damn sure, regular witnesses THAT WERE THERE AND SAW IT HAPPEN are not going to fudge the details when the Feds are here looking into it. There is no reason for them to conspire against Thompson one way or another.
I hope Thompson enjoys his few days of freedom before prison, then he will be, so very alone, each day, except for his new boyfriends.
I wonder how alone Otto felt as the “good guys” were killing him.
coozbee on November 09 at 5:07 p.m.
Again the LOST TOUCH of Right & Wrong prevails with Spokane’s finest. To defend something that was flat out wrong continuously over and over, is beyond comprehension. You forget that YOUR job is to perform with INTEGRITY. A police officer is the ENFORCER of the law. Not the judge, not the prosecutor nor the defense, and definitely not the jury. To spit on the law and to defy the very thing you swore to uphold, just like the constitution with any soldier, is derelection of duty and
is subject to prosecution. Why is that not sinking into the brains
of these officers. Not all SPD officers feel the same or agree with your JUSTIFICATIONS that OTTO was responsible for HIS OWN DEATH. Our city attorneys ARE responsible, and they have MISLED the citizens of SPOKANE for too long. They need to JOIN Karl and console him. If I were an SPD officer, I’d keep my mouth shut and my thoughts to myself. It’s called SURVIVAL.
Those attorneys don’t care about YOU. They just want their own personal army under the pretense of justifiable law enforcement. Wise up SPD, you been sold out by your so called legal leaders.
tittiger on December 24 at 8:11 a.m.
We are the law – not these thugs and anyone that helped this thug meet his maker would be a hero in my book and a blessing to this nation.