Brockett can’t mask facts

Former Spokane County Prosecutor Don Brockett has apparently become an authority on police training and tactics (Guest Opinion, Nov. 12). I take extreme exception to the statement “police training adopted an ‘us’ against ‘them’ mentality.”

As a former SWAT commander and someone responsible for training officers, I can tell you it is simply not true. Brockett suggests this new training paradigm led to “SWAT teams wearing masks so we could not identify them.” SWAT members wear nomex balaclavas for several reasons: They afford the officers some level of protection against burns; they also afford a level of protection if a suspect throws caustic liquids or other items toward their faces during high-risk entries. And yes, there are circumstances when the officer’s identity should not be compromised when the suspects are members of gangs known to retaliate against officers.

Officers are assaulted or injured daily. They have every right to employ tactics that reduce exposure to injury or assault. Regarding his disdain for armored vehicles, would he prefer a Chevy Volt?

It is time for a display of leadership in this community and a thoughtful approach in addressing issues. Vilification of an entire organization is counterproductive, and undeserved.

John Sullivan

Spokane