The trial of Spokane Police Officer Karl Thompson regarding his use of force in the 2006 encounter with Otto Zehm and its guilty verdict are still the talk of the town. It was an ordeal we hope this area will never see again.
While the trial of one officer caused ripples throughout the region, it's important to call to light how our own police departments in the West Plains can prevent such a terrible incident from taking place in their respective jurisdictions.
During our editorial discussion, we came to the consensus that we believe that police departments in the West Plains are doing a good job for the most part, considering the tough job that they have. While smaller populations in these cities can mean less crime, when looking at the spectrum of residents in the area, it's only fitting to note the added difficulty in Cheney with Eastern Washington University as a neighbor.
Over the last few years, officers from several police departments gathered at the university to participate in a training session that included a simulated event with hostages. Such regular training and practice can help create the right decision-making process in an officer, should he or she face a split-second decision where a life is at stake.
We also agree that Spokane's Police Department was very far behind today's curve regarding use of force training and instruction regarding citizens with mental health issues. Such training might likely have changed the outcome of the Zehm incident.
As a result, a dangerous stigma surrounds the Spokane Police Department. One only needs to look at comments made by the public during the last five years as the Zehm case developed to see that trust has been lost with much of the department. It is important to note that the Zehm case focused on the actions of one man.
While lately the focus has been on the wrong actions of one man, Spokane does have good police officers. West Plains residents can be thankful that such a stigma isn't associated with their city's law enforcement.
While this trial — and incidents in the time since — has soured the perception of some law enforcement agencies, we must remember to thank these individuals. When a burglar or person with a weapon shows up at our front door, we want a police officer to be right there and take care of the situation.
Officers are not only able to rid the streets of another criminal, but build a solid foundation of trust within the community.
In an effort to build that strong foundation, Cheney, as an example, employs a sector-based patrol pattern. The basic premise is that an officer covers a particular section of town, getting to know the residents and listen to concerns or questions.
That community tie is somewhat lessened when cities are relegated to contract out police services to county agencies. Officers, while doing their best to make connections in a town, are very often called to duty outside of city limits. This hinders familiarity among a city's residents with those who have been tasked with our protection.
In short, the Thompson trial was a troubling period for the region, but it can also serve as a catalyst to improve on what already exists in our area's law enforcement. Police departments can walk away from it with clear messages: be transparent, don't cover something up and if mistakes are made, be quick and forthcoming to acknowledge them.
Above all, we hope that we never again have to live through an ordeal similar to this.
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