In a statement made on Monday (March 4, 2013), Spokane Mayor David Condon and Police Chief Frank Straub announced that the Independent Use of Force Commission has accepted the city’s request to review Spokane Police Department progress toward implementing the Commission’s recommendations.
Use of Force Commission reviews take place in June and December this year and December 2014. Those reviews will assess the SPD’s progress against the Use of Force Commission’s 26 recommendations in four key areas: culture, policies and practices, civilian oversight and city administration.
“Regular reviews by the Use of Force Commission are an important part of fulfilling our commitment to making changes that will improve public trust and confidence in the Spokane Police Department,” says Mayor Condon.
Nancy McLaughlin, chair of the Public Safety Committee stated, “We appreciate the hard work done by the Use of Force Commission and thank them for their efforts to assist the Spokane Police Department as it works to improve community safety and earn back the public’s trust.”
The Use of Force Commission held 11 public meetings; interviewed police officers, city employees, citizens, and subject matter experts; engaged the services of three expert consultants; reviewed many publications; and solicited and reviewed public comment during its 13 months of work.
“Our goal remains to earn back the public’s trust one day at a time as we work toward becoming a model for policing in the Northwest,” Chief Straub said.
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