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Police dysfunction evident

The Spokesman-Review

Blame the victim! This should have been the headline of the June 20 issue of your newspaper.

The four classic indicators of dysfunction are: create chaos, accept no responsibility, blame others, become the victim. This criteria sounds very much like the Spokane Police Department.

Otto Zehm walked unaware into a convenience store to buy a bottle of soda and a Snickers bar. He was taken totally unaware by the SPD officer, and reacted as almost anyone would, with shocked surprise.

There is no way to justify the overzealous and eventually fatal response by the SPD. The fact that they hog-tied and then placed a mask over the face of Mr. Zehm was irresponsible at best and callous at worst. Take responsibility for your actions, Spokane Police Department. It is what you expect of everyone else.

Rebecca Kates

Richland

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