Cooney’s ruling stunning

I am more than taken aback by the front page story about the charges against Sgt. Gately being reduced to a misdemeanor by Judge John Cooney. Our justice system is designed for law enforcement to support the victim, not the offender. And in this case, the victim was a fellow officer. The judge’s tortured logic about the definition of “apprehension” defies common sense.

Further, the judge apparently tolerated murmurs, guffaws and gestures from the off-duty officers in the courtroom. That is truly egregious behavior; why were they not reprimanded? It seems to me that this is what comes because there have been no consequences for the saluting in the courtroom of a convicted felon, Lt. Karl Thompson; it just emboldens those who flout violations to their ethical code.

I don’t know Judge Cooney; of course, I have seen his name on billboards my whole life. I assume he’ll be running for re-election one of these days.

How about it, Spokane? Is this the city we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in? Will we tolerate this behavior in so-called justice officers?

Mary Ann Murphy

Spokane