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February 5, 2012 in City
Interim police chief inherits challenge
Interim Spokane police Chief Scott Stephens mingles with the crowd at Riverfront Park during Mayor David Condon’s swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 30.
(Full-size photo)(All photos)
Scott Stephens was taught by his father to respect everyone and never to lay hands on someone in anger, Spokane’s interim police chief said.
That’s why it was hard for him, as a young patrol officer, to adapt to the requirements of his job.
“Not only was it OK for me to lay hands on people, but it was part of the job,” Stephens said. Conversely, he couldn’t understand the disrespect and sometimes violence directed at him just because of his uniform.
“That’s just not the way I was raised,” said the 50-year-old.
Nearly 26 years later, Stephens has adapted to the job well enough that on Jan. 3 Mayor David Condon appointed him interim police chief to replace Anne Kirkpatrick, who retired after five years. One of his biggest immediate challenges will be responding to scrutiny of the department’s use-of-force policies.
Kirkpatrick left at a time of controversy and low morale – former Officer Karl Thompson had just been convicted of two federal felonies for the fatal encounter with Otto Zehm in 2006, and the Spokane Police Guild’s relationship with Kirkpatrick was in shambles because of disagreements over her handling of personnel decisions and union negotiations.
Stephens said he’s ready for the challenge.
Already, he’s seen a boost in morale among rank-and-file officers, he said.
Officer Jennifer DeRuwe, spokeswoman for the department, said Stephens’ experience with the department helps.
“We want this community to be a great place to live, and a safe place to live. … Scott’s been here forever. He has a vested interest in that,” DeRuwe said. “I think that’s really important for the community to hear.”
Civil War, movie buff
Born and raised in Spokane, Stephens said his long commitment to the area and to the police department is an asset he believes will help rebuild trust in the community and create meaningful change in a department plagued by low morale and public outcry over controversial cases.
“I think that a lot of that morale difficulty was the uncertainty of who was going to be leading the department,” Stephens said. “So even just having an interim chief has provided some measure of assurance for the guys to say ‘Somebody’s at the helm. Somebody’s driving the ship.’ ”
Stephens said he hasn’t decided if he’ll apply to be the permanent police chief, but he’s already taking the necessary steps. The city requires the police chief to have a college degree. Stephens fulfilled requirements at Eastern Washington University in the early 1980s but was hired by the department before he applied for his degree. When he finally did, the requirements had changed and he was no longer eligible.
He enrolled this year to take online courses at the University of Oklahoma to finish his degree in criminal justice. He has about 30 credits left and expects to take one or two classes at a time, although he’s not currently signed up for any.
Stephens is known in the department for his love of the Civil War and of all types of movies. He also has a photographic memory – the tiniest of details from long ago can stay fresh in his mind.
DeRuwe remembers attending a training class on the East Coast with Stephens. They were close to the site of a famous Civil War battle. Stephens gave her an impromptu tour of the battlefield that night.
“I got a dark tour of the whole battlefield, off the cuff,” DeRuwe said. “He just knew everything.”
Stephens has a home library filled with Civil War books; he said he looks to them for lessons in leadership. Stephens said he admires Confederate leaders, particularly Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, not because of their political positions but because of their style of leadership, which was sometimes quirky.
“I think they were more charismatic leaders,” he said.
He also finds inspiration from movies, although he doesn’t claim any movie to be his favorite. The day he was named interim chief, he shared a quote from the Civil War movie “Glory,” in which Matthew Broderick’s character congratulates Morgan Freeman’s character on his promotion. Freeman’s character responds with, “I ain’t sure I’m wanting this, Colonel.”
Stephens said of his appointment, “I appreciate the opportunity and I’m very grateful to the mayor for his confidence in me. But on the other hand, there was just that momentary thing where I was like, ‘Wow, I’m kind of stepping into a hot seat here and I’m not sure I want this.’ ”
Effective, efficient, unbiased
But Stephens has long aspired to be a leader in the police department.
He was working at the Rosauers at the Y in north Spokane when he decided to become a reserve officer. A co-worker at the grocery store, John Willard, who is now a police detective, was a reserve officer and encouraged Stephens to follow the same path.
Stephens was hooked.
“I think what drives a lot of people to enter police work in particular is a very strong desire to have a profession in which what I did made a difference,” Stephens said.
Working for free as a reserve officer was great, and “I thought if I could get paid to do the same thing, I’d be in heaven,” he said.
Stephens said he’s never fired a gun in the line of duty.
A graduate of Gonzaga Prep, Stephens spent six years on graveyard patrol beginning in March 1986. He was a field training officer and Explorer Scout adviser and continued to teach at the police academy when he was promoted to sergeant. He eventually transferred to the drug unit as a detective-sergeant before he was promoted to lieutenant in August 2007. He spent two years as a major before Condon named him interim chief.
He said his outlook on policing is simple: Effective, efficient and unbiased law enforcement.
Citizens “should know that when that Spokane police car rolls up and they get control of that scene, they can count on two things. No. 1 is that they’re going to be safe,” Stephens said. “And No. 2, that they’re going to get the best service we can provide with the resources that we have.”
It’s the job of the officers in the field to provide that service. Stephens reminds them of that regularly.
“I say, your job is to serve the public,” Stephens said. “My job is to serve you.”
Human trafficking suspects released 
Slightlyworried on February 05 at 12:55 a.m.
“Citizens ‘should know that when that Spokane police car rolls up and they get control of that scene, they can count on two things. No. 1 is that they’re going to be safe,”
Tell that to Otto. Until the six officers who; (1) hog-tied him in violation of department policy, (2) placed him on his stomach in violation of department policy, and (3) placed a non-rebreather mask over his face in violation of department policy are prosecuted, I am not going to feel safe “when that Spokane police car rolls up . . .”
If Chief Stephens is a man of integrity he will walk into whatever bar Tucker is sitting at and demand that he file charges. Until then, Cheif Stephens is just part of the same problem.
D Statler on February 05 at 1:05 a.m.
This old janitor wishes Mr. Stevens the best of luck with his crew. I hope you truely are able to make a difference. Your thoughts and credentials are admirable.You have a tall order ahead bringing the troops back into line with a “Force” to be reconded with.Your drug and gang task forces need close attention. Best wishes and good job so far sir. The community is behind you.The next year under your lead is pivotal to returning faith and respect to the Force :^) ThankYou
greenlibertarian on February 05 at 1:33 a.m.
This guy’s a character. Not sure he’s right for top to bottom reform, which is NECESSARY.
Shelala on February 05 at 1:52 a.m.
Yadda, yadda, yadda, probably has model trains in his basement and a dog too. A regular Fred McMurray. Question is: What exactly have you done and what are you doing now to reform the SPD?
Truthhurts on February 05 at 5:42 a.m.
Any participation by an officer in any cover-up must be a firing offense.
lewis8457 on February 05 at 7:12 a.m.
We can only hope Stephens longevity on the force can work to get the good ol boy club to listen to reason, if not we are back where we started.
I do know Stephen to be a up standing man, lets just hope he has what it takes.
DickAdams on February 05 at 7:18 a.m.
It appears Roco Treppiedi continues to carry the torch on behalf of the city of Spokane and his past behavior condoned by Mayor Condon. To the surprise to many of us, thinking Mayor Condon would fire Treppiedi, but this mayor showed his true colors and Rocky continues to wander the hallways at city hall and is still on the payroll. What a waste of taxpayer revenue. Delaney, Treppiedi`s boss obviously approved of his attempt at covering-up the Otto Zehm murder with his blessings. And lest we forget, “Rocky`s” counter law suits filed against anybody who dare to upset the Modus Operandi of our city. These people continue holding clandestine meetings hoodwinking concerned Spokane citizens. Its the same ol, same ol, lack of transparency the way the Lilac City conducts (shady) business at city hall. The good old boys club have not changed their ways and no question in my mind, its the golden rule. Those who have the gold will rule.
BlueHealer on February 05 at 8:05 a.m.
Good luck to Interim Chief Stephens, he’s a good guy, as are the overwhelming majority of the officers in the Spokane Police Department.
Albert on February 05 at 8:39 a.m.
BlueHealer….if the overwhelming majority are “good guys”, then we the victims would have been duly served and represented in that same manner. Character is reflective of the service provided and that Mr. Blue is the reason for our demands for a complete revision of your “good guys”.
Salutes in the courtroom, along with ongoing “we against them” is reflective of a sub-human and gestapo species. Why don’t you, and the “good guys” take an active commitment to reverse these public views of your department? Begin with a smile, polite demeanor, and basic courtesy like we demonstrate to our neighbors and strangers that we meet on a daily basis. In a few months, I can assure you that the SPD would gain the public’s respect. It takes a commitment and thus all we see is the opposite.
BlueHealer on February 05 at 10:23 a.m.
Oh, Albert, they could smile until doomsday and you would still be bellyaching about some perceived slight. Why don’t you get off the “us against the police department bandwagon”, or do you like being a perpetual victim?
david on February 05 at 11:02 a.m.
I would not want to be a police officer in Spokane.No matter what you do, you will continually be bad mouthed. There are some bad cops, and there are some good cops who make a mistake and pay for it the rest of their lives. Too bad most of cop haters have never walked in their shoesl
Slightlyworried on February 05 at 11:41 a.m.
” … there are some good cops who make a mistake and pay for it the rest of their lives.”
Are you talking about the six officers who killed Otto? Or are you talking about the two officers who took the stand and openly lied for Thompson? Not a damn thing has been done to them. They are not “paying” for anything at this point. They still have their badges. They still have their freedom.
If this chief really wants to restore trust in the SPD, he’ll find Tucker in whatever bar he drinking at and demand charges be filed against those officers. Until then, the cover up continues.
Shelala on February 05 at 12:30 p.m.
The public at large isn’t divided into “cop haters” and cop supporters. The cops themselves make this distinction to dismiss the opinions of people who don’t agree with their actions, right or wrong. It is their attempt to make public opinion irrevelant. Walk in their shoes? Cry me a ***river. If officers can’t perform professionally and within the standards expected of them demanded by the public (their employers) and the law (i.e. Thompson), then find employment elsewhere. I have no problem with the profession of law enforcement, but I do have some negative opinions of some of its personnel.
Albert on February 05 at 1:36 p.m.
Thank you Bluehealer for illustrating the point at hand.
johnclarke on February 05 at 4:53 p.m.
I don’t think of the officers that showed up in court to salute Thompson as “good guys”. I found their behavior disturbing.
I will hope for the best, but in my opinion this department needs to be torn down and started over, as in a complete FBI investigation.
mary1958 on February 05 at 5:12 p.m.
I filed a complaint with the ombudsman about the saluting issue. I received a letter from acting chief Stephens exonerating those that participated. I don’t think that was a good start. When I was an officer some twenty years ago I briefly worked with him on graveyard. He used to unnecessarily step on me and take over when I was the primary on a call. Since I was on three specialty teams; taught at the police academy; had five letters of commendation; and was not a slouch, I didn’t think that was appropriate. No one heard my distaste, however. Others on that team did not do that. I had a huge issue with his over bearing ego. I doubt he has changed much–-more concerned with himself.
PROFINTOX on February 05 at 6:10 p.m.
For those who are attacking Stephens right out of the gate, is it beyond your capability to give the man a chance? He has been in the job a month and some of you are already pretty much giving him a failing grade. Give him time to turn things around and if he can’t do it, or worse yet, WON’T do it, then proceed with the criticism. At least then it would be founded. I think some of you want him to fail so you can continue to be negative on the SPD (and please, do not take that as an full-on endorsement of the SPD — there are some clear problems that need to be handled — I just think some of you must like it that way so you can do the “I told you so”).
brianrbreen on February 05 at 6:34 p.m.
@PROFINTOX
I sure as heck am pulling for Stephens and he has a tough row to hoe. So far there hasn’t been much to deal with except the “salute” which was his and Condon’s call and I don’t agree with the handling of, but then again that might not be over. The other stuff was prior to his watch. I’m not too concerned about egos… never met a cop that didn’t have a big one or a chief that didn’t have an even bigger one, I guess it is part of the prerequisites, just isn’t listed in the job description.
Shelala on February 05 at 6:34 p.m.
If Stephens exonerated the saluters, then he has lost the support of many Spokanites. If Condone appointed such a “leader”, then Condon will have a tough few years before he is voted out, He didn’t so much “win” the election, as Verner lost because of the Zehm incident. Condon should have his television political commercial running loop to loop in his office as a reminder of the main issues that won him the election. If back peddling was a sport, he’d win the gold medal, but first he’d form a committee.
misjustice on February 05 at 6:51 p.m.
” If back peddling was a sport, he’d win the gold medal, but first he’d form a committee.”
I just snorted beer through my nose, dang it if that doesn’t appear to be true, Shelala; unfortunately.
johnclarke on February 05 at 8:42 p.m.
mary1958 on February 05 at 5:12 p.m.
I filed a complaint with the ombudsman about the saluting issue. I received a letter from acting chief Stephens exonerating those that participated.
I was not aware of this, so thank you for posting this. Sounds like business as usual.
I hope some of those officers are reading this - if you were military like apparently you wish you were - you would know not to salute indoors. Apparently backing your criminal brother is more important than serving the public.
PROFINTOX on February 06 at 11:02 p.m.
mary1958 — I somehow missed reading your post before making my initial post. I would certainly find that manner of handling the saluting issue a matter of concern. I had not heard of him publicly “coming out” on the matter and I think it is part of a larger and important enough issue that he should reveal publicly where he stands. I would urge that you make the response you received viewable (i.e., verifiable) to the general public through some appropriate forum since that should not be kept under wraps so to speak.
mary1958 on February 07 at 7:28 p.m.
I sent a physical copy of the letter to the Spokesman Review along with an opinion letter to their P.O Box. I have not heard back. Most likely there has not been a public statementing on this topic because it would make Stephens look bad to some. After all, he may be under consideration for chief and he is helping to lift the “moral’ of the SPD. I sent an email in response to the letter only to get an email back from an officer (now a Lt.) that I worked in David sector with along time ago. His name slips my mind at the moment. He asked me to call him to talk about the topic. I did not as I know what will happen. I tried to actually download the letter but it was not possible. The only thing I can do now is photocopy it, put it on a disk, and upload it on Facebook. My Facebook page is open [Mary Brown (Sim)]. I will try to do this ASAP unless of course the copy I have evaporates due to some unknown force before I can get to it.
mary1958 on February 07 at 7:58 p.m.
Lt. Keith Cummings was the responder of my email to the acting chief. I have in fact been successful in photocopying the letter Stephens sent me, however, development will prove if I am able to put it on Facebook. I will do this tomorrow. I will also send a hard copy to the Mayor with my request that he choose someone else to head the department.
PROFINTOX on February 07 at 8:15 p.m.
mary1958 — nice job! Thank you very much for this information. It is the type of thing that could easily go unnoticed. I know I certainly was not aware of it, so thank you again for putting up useful information. So many just grouse and name call so it is refreshing.
brianrbreen on February 07 at 8:30 p.m.
@mary1958
I’m not sure that the Mayor or the SR has any idea of actually how many complaints there were regarding the salute; there were a bunch and not just those on the Ombudsman web site. I haven’t made my complaint yet still waiting for some PDRs before I can put it together. Cummings had some involvement in my PDR requests, which I thought was odd…having an IA Lt. involved in a PDR request.
Thanks for the info regarding the “exoneration”… I suspected that would happen…”sure don’t want to hurt morale…lets get it behind us” was probably the input the Mayor got. It’s not quite over yet there is one more shot but it’s a long shot.
mary1958 on February 07 at 9:16 p.m.
Here’s the letter hand typed:
Dear Mary,
This is to advise you that we have conducted an investigative inquiry and review of the allegation you made concerning the conduct of several of our employees.
While there may be some disagreement over interpretation of the law or department policy and procedure, the evidence presented would not indicate that the officers acted inappropriately given the facts and circumstances confronting them at the time.
In this case the officers were accused of “conduct unbecoming” after they gave a salute to Karl Thompson as he left the courtroom. Our investigative inquiry showed this salute occurred nearly 10 minutes after the hearing was over. The judge, prosecutor and most spectators had left the courtroom. I have been told, but have not been able to to confirm, that the Zehm family was standing in the back of the courtroom behind the officers and the officers may not have known that they were still there. It is unfortunate the Zehm family members were present during this display by the officers.
In any event, we identified most of who we believe were present in the courtroom at that time, none of which were on duty or in uniform. In each case they were either not working day shift hours, were on their scheduled day off or had filled out a vacation or compensatory time card. The police department regrets this event but since the officers were on their own time we are not able to enforce a behavior policy on them. This would be considered a first amendment issue.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We sincerely welcome inquiries from the community concerning the performance of our employees with the ultimate objective of improving service where possible.
If you have any further questions…..
Sincerely,
Scott A. Stephens
Interim Police Chief
I will continue to try to post this letter on Facebook. I agree with the second paragraph and I do disagree with THEIR interpretation of policy and procedure especially concerning the ethical code and standards.
brianrbreen on February 08 at 5:16 a.m.
@Mary1958
Thanks Mary, that is quite helpful.
brianrbreen on February 08 at 6:23 a.m.
Mary,
Could you please post the date you received that letter.
mary1958 on February 08 at 9:37 p.m.
January 10, 2012 I am having technical difficulties with putting the letter on Facebook. I think I accidentally erased my Walgreen’s CD. Tomorrow I will copy the photo of the letter onto a disk at Walmart and try that.
mary1958 on February 09 at 6:19 p.m.
I posted a picture of the letter from Chief Stephens exonerating the saluters on my Facebook page which is open to the public. It is not the best. There are 3 views. Mary Brown (Sim) is my name. I don’t know how to put it here on this blog.
brianrbreen on February 09 at 6:25 p.m.
Thanks Mary!!