Ombudsman needs power

On Monday the Spokane City Council will consider an ordinance granting independent investigative authority to the police ombudsman. Without independent investigative authority, the office of the ombudsman is almost meaningless.

The city has a long history of police abuse and cover-up. The city lied to us after the police killed Otto Zehm and the city is now facing a federal lawsuit in the Otto Zehm case, not just because of the abuse by the police but also because of the cover-up.

This must stop. The city must get out of this mode of protecting itself and start dealing with the real issue of police reform directly and honestly.

Real police reform will be better for everyone in the long run, better for the police department and better for the citizens. Better training and oversight by an independent ombudsman will lead to a much better relationship between the public and the police. There will be fewer lawsuits against the city. Fewer deaths and injuries at the hands of the police. Less abuse. We have a long way to go.

Establishing independent investigative authority for the police ombudsman is a critical step toward real reform. Without oversight, change will not happen.

Rosemary Johnson

Spokane