Barista Flasher Cop Triggers Law

An encounter that involved a sheriff’s detective flashing a barista at a drive-up coffee stand has led to a new state law that Spokane County will use to expand the volunteer panel that overturned the detective’s firing. It took nearly three years, an act of the Legislature and a signature from Gov. Chris Gregoire to get from the flashing to the expansion. But county commissioners said Tuesday they will probably increase the board from three to five members this summer. Sheriff’s Detective Joseph Mastel (pictured, center) was fired in June 2006 after exposing himself to a barista at the On Alert coffee stand in Airway Heights. He was off duty at the time and said he had a “flirtatious relationship” with the woman, who was about 30 years younger. The woman said she was taken by surprise and felt violated by his actions/ Jim Camden , SR. More here . Gov. Gregoire about to sign bill here .

Question: Izzit just me, or do the police officers and firefighters in Spokane operate under a different set of rules that allow them to get away with things normal citizens don’t?