Guild needs to change

I read with interest the six attributes The Spokesman-Review says (July 22) our next chief will need in order to succeed in changing the culture of the Spokane Police Department. I especially noticed attribute No. 4, which stated in part: “The challenge is to persuade them (Police Guild) that reform is in their best interests. Buy-in from the force will be essential to expanding oversight and applying best practices.”

Until the Guild becomes a union that supports only legitimate complaints from its officers, and stands tall in taking the high, moral ground in all cases, nothing will change. Until this happens, the Guild is no better than a lawyer who goes to any length to protect behavior obviously wrong, with ample evidence showing the behavior is indeed, wrong.

Being a street cop in today’s world is beyond difficult. I could not do their job. Because it’s leadership that sets the tone throughout the department, it is incumbent upon leadership to support their men in every way possible, but to support wrongdoing is to add to the overwhelming problems we face as a community and a nation.

Good luck to our next chief. May the Guild be with you.

Mike McMorris

Spokane