When searching for a new police chief under Mayor Lisa Brown in Spokane, it’s crucial to prioritize the needs and concerns of the Black community to address past and current issues within the police department.
The relationship between the Black community in Spokane and the Spokane Police Department has been fraught with anger, mistrust, and disappointment, rooted in a dark history of systemic racism and unequal treatment. Despite the small percentage of Blacks in the population, their interactions with law enforcement have often resulted in negative outcomes, perpetuating a cycle of resentment and alienation.
On June 12, 2023, the Spokane City Council was poised to make an emergency change to the city code, marking a significant step in addressing the longstanding grievances of the Black community. This move followed months of advocacy and pressure from organizations like Spokane Community Against Racism (SCAR), which have been vocal in demanding accountability and reform within the police department.
The catalyst for the emergency change stemmed from revelations uncovered by the city’s police ombudsman, whose investigation unearthed hundreds of emails exchanged between Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl and members of the Spokane Business and Commercial Property Owners Council. These findings ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting calls for Chief Meidl’s resignation.
Under the current city code, complaints regarding the chief of police are directed to the mayor and investigated by the city’s human resources department. However, in light of the serious allegations against former Chief Meidl, there was a growing consensus within the community that external oversight and accountability mechanisms are needed to ensure a fair and impartial investigation by the Office of Police Ombudsman.
The proposed emergency change to the city code reflects a recognition of the need for greater transparency, accountability, and community involvement in addressing issues of police misconduct and systemic racism. By empowering independent oversight bodies and establishing clear procedures for investigating complaints against high-ranking officials like Chief Meidl, the city aims to rebuild trust and foster a more inclusive and equitable relationship between law enforcement and the Black community.
However, this emergency change is just one step in a larger journey toward justice and reconciliation. It will require ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and collective action to address the root causes of racial injustice and create lasting systemic change.
The Black community in Spokane, along with allies and advocates, remain steadfast in their commitment to holding those in power accountable and advocating for a police department that serves and protects all members of the community, regardless of race or background.
Here are some steps and considerations to ensure that the new Police Chief is fair, inclusive, and committed to positive change within the community:
- Community Engagement and Input: Encourage active participation from the Black community in the selection process. Hold community forums, town hall meetings, or listening sessions where residents can voice their concerns, priorities, and expectations for the new Police Chief. This ensures that the community’s needs are considered and reflected in the selection criteria.
- Transparency and Accountability: Advocate for transparency in the selection process, including clear criteria for evaluating candidates and a commitment to public disclosure of information. Ensure that the candidates’ track records on issues such as accountability, use of force, community relations, and diversity are thoroughly examined and openly discussed.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Prioritize candidates who have a proven track record of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within law enforcement agencies. Look for individuals who have experience working with diverse communities, understanding cultural sensitivities, and implementing inclusive policies and practices.
- Accountability Mechanisms: Advocate for the implementation of accountability mechanisms within the police department to address misconduct, racial bias, and excessive use of force. This could include establishing civilian oversight boards, implementing body cameras, and enhancing training on de-escalation techniques and cultural competence.
- Community Policing and Relationship Building: Look for candidates who prioritize community policing approaches that emphasize building trust, collaboration, and positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. This includes investing in community outreach programs and partnering with local organizations and leaders.
- Reforming Policies and Procedures: Advocate for candidates who are committed to reviewing and reforming existing policies and procedures within the police department to ensure they are fair, unbiased, and aligned with community values and priorities. This could involve revising use-of-force policies, enhancing training on implicit bias, and implementing alternative crisis response strategies.
- Prioritizing Mental Health and Social Services: Support candidates who prioritize addressing underlying social issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness through collaborative approaches that involve mental health professionals, social workers, and community organizations. This can help reduce reliance on law enforcement for issues better addressed through social services.
By prioritizing community engagement, transparency, diversity, accountability, and reform-minded leadership, Spokane can select a Police Chief who is responsive to the needs of the Black community and committed to fostering positive change within the police department. This approach can help build trust, promote healing, and create safer and more equitable communities for all residents.