Law Enforcement Policies Under Siege

Wed., Oct. 25, 1995

Associated Press

In an unusual alliance, gun-rights groups and the American Civil Liberties Union banded together and urged new controls Tuesday to prevent abuse of power by federal law officers.

The coalition cited the bloody confrontations at Waco, Texas, and Ruby Ridge in Idaho as examples of increasing misuse of deadly force and military-style tactics by federal agents.

“We want change before there are more Wacos and Ruby Ridges,” Laura Murphy, director of the ACLU’s Washington office, told a news conference.

In a letter to congressional leaders, the 14-member coalition called for a national commission to review federal law enforcement policies and reassert constitutional rights.

The group also wants the government to create a permanent oversight board - akin to the citizens’ review boards that oversee many local police departments - to watch over federal police agencies.

Justice Department officials say Congress already provides the necessary oversight. The Waco and Ruby Ridge standoffs have been reviewed in several Hill hearings. At a hearing last week, the Clinton administration announced new rules to clarify when federal agents are authorized to shoot.

The coalition’s strange bedfellows in clude the National Rifle Association, the criminal defense attorneys and the National Black Police Association - groups that are often at odds over law enforcement issues.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.