Commission accepts ombudsman’s resignation

After formally accepting the resignation of police ombudsman Tim Burns on Wednesday, members of the Police Ombudsman Commission appointed one of their own to serve on the selection committee to find Burns’ replacement. Adrian Dominguez, an epidemiologist at the Spokane Regional Health District, will fill one of five seats on the committee, which is tasked with recommending three finalists for the ombudsman position. Commissioners acted after the City Council decided Monday to allocate their seat on the selection committee to an ombudsman commission member. Other seats will be appointed by the mayor, the Spokane Police Guild and the Spokane Police Lieutenants and Captains Association. The fifth member will be selected by the other four. The selection committee will review candidates for the police ombudsman position and choose three finalists, with a final decision to be made by the ombudsman commission. They are tasked with selecting an interim ombudsman, who may serve for up to four months before a permanent hire is made. With Burns’ resignation official, the selection committee must meet within 30 days.