Spokane Police Guild gives chief nominee Craig Meidl their blessing

Mayor David Condon’s pick for police chief has earned the backing of the two most prominent unions representing Spokane cops, but still must make his case to the public and City Council.

The Spokane Police Guild endorsed Craig Meidl as chief in a letter from President John Griffin to Condon and council this week. Their support follows an endorsement from the Spokane Police Lieutenants and Captain’s Association, whose membership had tangled with previous Chief Frank Straub over his alleged abusive leadership style.

“The Spokane Police Guild is hopeful, through the planned confirmation process, that the Mayor, City Council Members, the community and the members of the Spokane Police Department can be unified behind Craig Meidl as ‘our’ Chief of Police,” Griffin wrote in the letter.

Meidl is scheduled to appear at two forums to be held over the next two weeks and answer questions from the public. The City Council has said they will use that process to inform a vote Aug. 22 whether to accept Meidl’s nomination.