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: Injustice in Seattle

Boycott The OPA?

By David Packman

Well, it isn't a call for a boycott per se, just a recommendation against using it until it is fixed. (see the post below this one)

Why?

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/349469_force31.html

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/349169_lying29.html

http://thepapernoose.blogspot.com/2007/06/policing-police.html

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003762615_alleybarnes26m.html

http://www.seattleweekly.com/2004-06-02/news/the-cops-credibility-gap.php

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=490766

We could keep going citing case after case of abusive behavior going unpunished... but the common theme is that even when the OPA does find evidence of abuse, the cheif always exonerates or goes against disciplinary recommendations. The system is flawed, it is clearly evidenced that it will not hold officers accountable for misconduct, thus it cannot do anything good for the community nor the victims of police misconduct.

Therefore, since it can only serve to help protect abusive officers by providing the SPD with advanced warning of potential legal action, we recommend against using the SPD OPA for finding redress for incidents of police misconduct.

Since the Seattle Police Officer's Guild insists that it will not consider reforms until 2010 and even then it may not accept all suggested reforms, there is little hope that the system will be fixed for years.

Call it what you will, but we highly recommend against using the OPA for your own benefit until substantial changes are made.

Full post as published by Injustice in Seattle on February 06, 2008 (boomark / email).