It looks as if the citizens of Spokane can count on having a civilian ombudsman to oversee the Police Department, after the Spokane Police Guild signaled its approval with a resounding 121-4 vote. But the effectiveness of that position still rests with the mayor and the City Council as they determine crucial details.

Still, the union’s approval is significant given the group’s role in undermining past police oversight schemes. The previous format was so weakened by legal tactics that the citizens’ panel hadn’t reviewed a case in 10 years.

With the leadership of police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick and pressure from the public and elected leaders, we hope the guild won’t backslide on its apparent commitment to giving credible oversight a chance. That acceptance could be tested in the coming weeks as the public debates legitimate questions about the current proposal. Nearly all of the criticisms involve the police having too much control.

First, the selection process calls for a five-person panel, with the Police Department picking two representatives and offering input on another. If the union doesn’t agree with the ultimate choice for ombudsman, it can file a grievance. That’s too much influence for the entity that is to be watched.

Second, the police chief is given sole authority to determine what complaints move forward. That might work well under Kirkpatrick, but that power could be abused by her successors. The ombudsman should get a say on the legitimacy of complaints. Similarly, there ought to be automatic reviews in cases involving the fatal use of force or in-custody deaths. Remember, the impetus for reform started with the Otto Zehm tragedy.

Third, the proposal fails to clarify whether the ombudsman would be suitably insulated from outside pressures. Can the mayor fire this person without cause, as she can other at-will employees? That would undermine the position’s credibility. Other cities have made sure that the firing of the ombudsman is a public process and that the reasons for firing must be grounded in poor performance or malfeasance, not political inconvenience.

Spokane should do the same.

Now that the union has been heard from, the City Council will move forward with public hearings. Council members and Mayor Mary Verner should listen as intently to the arguments of citizens before determining the position’s final format.