SPD Blotter

Monday, February 28, 2011

During this time of our discontent, we need to take a moment and
·determine the next step for all concerned. To be most effective in
educating our elected officials in knowing that we will not tolerate
the insensitivity towards the many people of color and our need for
justice;
we willjoin together as a strong unified community.
It is inconceivable that in our land of rules, laws and the
enforcement of those laws, we find that any elected official
charged with the responsibility of fairly deciphering those laws
would be blinded by words that would allow any individual in a
non-war setting to get away with the taking of an individuals most
important liberty; life.
Our prosecuting attorney has decided to hide behind the innocuous
words: .
reason we all decide to go to court is 1) to have our grievances
heard before a dispassionate Judge or jury and 2) to test the
argument/response of any defendant charged with that grievance.
The prosecuting attorney has denied the people the opportunity to
.test Ex-Officer Ian Birks' explanation of the Williams family's
grievance. This is unacceptable in our society and these times.
We all understand the enormous importance of law enforcement to
a civil society in helping establish a safe, decent and secure
community. We know the great duty involved in policing and the
many circumstances in which an officer may truly be in fear of
his/her life. No officer's family should be under the constant fear
of their loved one not coming home from their job. It is also
understood, that an every day law abiding citizen should not be
under the fear that one law enforcement officer can arbitrarily
without clear and imminent danger kill and not be absolutely
expected to face a jury of his peers (citizens at large) to determine
what was or should have been his proper response.

"in good faith and without malice". As we all know, the
It becomes the duty of the citizens of the County of King, to let the
present prosecuting attorney know that the last word will rest in the
hands of the county citizens to determine whether or not he will be
returned to office. The power of the vote is the greatest tool we
have to respond to ineffective representation and the appearance of
unfairness in carrying out the duties of that office.
Please hear this plea clearly in the prosecuting attorney's office,
do not expect you to mince or parcel words to think you can
placate us into thinking you have completed your very best
judgment in excusing this senseless taking of a life
the slightest effort to bring justice to these communities and to the
citizens of King County.
The African American Advisory Council and Native American
Advisory Council wishes to thank the Williams family and all of
their positive supporter's for all you have done to be a support to
one another and have still put your faith in that
come to a just outcome in time.
not in the Williams family favor they and all of us will continue to
be positive in pursuing a balanced society where justice in America
is enthusiastic and caring for all.
wewithout evenall things will .Though the final decision was

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

SPD statement regarding OPA investigation

The Seattle Police Department Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) received a complaint of misconduct that occurred during the early morning hours of December 12, 2010.
An off-duty male Seattle Police officer and his male friend were at a nightclub in the Ballard neighborhood when they discovered that their coats were missing.  The off-duty officer noticed a woman outside of the nightclub holding the missing jackets.  The off-duty officer identified himself as a Seattle Police officer and informed the woman that she had taken two jackets not belonging to her and asked for them back.  The woman refused, claiming that the jackets belonged to a friend.  The woman began to walk away.  The off-duty officer called 911 and together with his friend followed the woman on foot.  Both the off-duty officer and his friend were attacked from behind by three male subjects unknown to them.
On-duty officers responded to the scene to restore order and investigate.  The first arriving officer did not immediately recognize the off-duty officer among the five men.  He decided to separate all five individuals by ordering them to the ground until back-up arrived.  The on-duty officer witnessed a melee that included the first subject and the off-duty officer’s friend both standing up but struggling with each other.  The on-duty officer separated them and proceeded to the two remaining subjects and the off-duty officer.  The off-duty officer was on his back on the sidewalk while the other two subjects were physically assaulting him.  He removed the second subject off of the off-duty officer.  At this point the on-duty officer recognized the off-duty officer as a colleague who worked in the same precinct but on a different watch.  While attempting to disengage the third subject, the first subject had come over and kicked the off-duty officer in the head.
Additional officers arrived on the scene.  With their assistance, all five men were separated and the scene was stabilized.  By this time the woman who had stolen the two jackets had left the scene.  As the investigation commenced, the off-duty officer made physical contact with one of the three handcuffed subjects.  The investigating officers prevented any further contact between the off-duty officer and his assailants.  The three subjects were booked into King County Jail and have since been charged with Assault in the 3rd degree.  The off-duty officer was treated on scene by Seattle Fire Department medics and received additional treatment at an area hospital.
In adherence to department policy, the investigating officers immediately reported the off-duty officer’s actions to their supervisor and subsequently the matter was referred to OPA.  On December 14, 2010 the officer in question was administratively reassigned.  The OPA referred the matter for internal criminal investigation and this remains active and ongoing.  The off-duty officer in question was hired in January of 2009.
The release of this statement is in direct response to an existing media inquiry.