SPD announces major staffing changes

The Spokane Police Department announced several staffing changes late Wednesday that the department says are designed to reduce crime, implement some Use of Force Commission recommendations and prepare the department for achieving accreditation. It is the second major reorganization of top police department staff announced by Police Chief Frank Straub this year. Capt. Judi Carl, who has been serving as the downtown precinct captain, will become the Captain of Professional Standards and oversee training and the Internal Affairs Department. She will be in charge of implementing training improvements recommended by the Use of Force Commission and the Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, according to a police press release. Carl also will be placed in charge of the effort to earn accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. Departments must meet 132 accreditation standards in areas such as use of force and training in a lengthy and detailed application process. In Spokane County only the Cheney Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Spokane Valley Police Department have earned accreditation. Achieving accreditation is one of the recommendations of the Use of Force Commission, the press release said. Capt. Brad Arleth, the former Captain of Investigations, will take Carl’s place at the downtown precinct. He has spent 22 years with the department in the patrol and investigative divisions. He was the commander of field operations prior to February. Capt. Eric Olsen will take over as Captain of Investigations. He will oversee the Major Crimes Unit, the Targeted Crimes Unit, the Special Investigations Unit, the Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Gang Unit. He has worked with the department for 24 years in patrol, investigation and professional standards. A new Civil Enforcement Unit will be headed by Lt. Joe Walker. Walker’s job will be to design crime prevention and reduction strategies using a team of legal and law enforcement professionals. He has been with the department for 25 years. Walker stepped down as commander of investigations in February to become a patrol lieutenant.