Josh Farley writes:
Two stories made headlines in Seattle’s two major daily newspapers today, albeit on entirely different topics.
In its series entitled “Undue Influence,” the Seattle
Post-Intelligencer claims several cops
got off light when caught driving under the influence of
alcohol.
So far — it runs through Wednesday — one Kitsap County officer has been named in the series.
The other story, in today’s Seattle Times, was one we too covered. In a nutshell, it’s the fight by two Port Orchard 15-year-olds to go back to a home CPS took them out of. The Times’ story was written by Maureen O’Hagan, whose work includes the “Coaches who Prey” series.
If what the article states about the Kitsap County case is true, that is totally unacceptable. I cannot believe that the sheriff’s office would under respond to such a case. To make matters worse, it sounds like their deputy has a problem and almost killed someone by driving drunk a second time. Who knows how many times she actually drove drunk and never got caught. I am disappointed, I thought our sheriff’s office was more professional and accountable than that. I hope the sheriff can attend those MADD award ceremonies with a straight face, knowing his office is doing everything they can to stop drunk driving.
The Times article had some errors that I have asked that they change. I have received many supportive comments from both articles. The best part of all of this is that hopefully other children will be made aware that they have this option. As it stands now DSHS is mailing caregivers a pamphlet telling of the new law. It looks much like junk mail. There is a lot to be worked on. For instance how is a twelve year old going to know where to get the forms they need to fill out and file Let alone know how to fill them out or where to file them. There will be another petition filed in the upcoming weeks that is basically being done through the underground of Myspace. From teen to teen because the teen wanting to return to her mother has no means to get or file these forms. Luckily her friend is aware of this new law or she would have never known. Small worlds!! This is a very high profile case that will come into view at a later date. Believe me this youngster has hit headlines before in Nationally with an Amber Alert. Via email I have asked the DSHS worker to inform this child . HE has not yet done so. Why? This has me very concerned that all these kids lingering in foster care will be kept in the dark. Baby steps
What a letdown that was to read about another round of incidents that further erode the public’s faith in their law enforcement officers.
Please remember that for all of those poor decision makers listed in that PI article, there are hundreds of us who don’t drink and drive, don’t batter our spouses, don’t use controlled substances, don’t take advantage of the babysitter, don’t stop motorists because of their race, don’t falsify police reports, don’t use excessive force, don’t drop the ball on your 9-1-1 calls or anything else that would diminish the trust that you have in your cops.
I wrote a comment about the article but it wasn’t posted. I’ll try again.
Jeff is right.
The drunken officer on duty is a rarity….obviously. That such a person gives the entire force a black eye… the rotten apple bit… BUT the entire barrel of apples won’t go bad if the one rotten apple is tossed out.
That said….if the officers don’t back each other up…who will?
The officer driving impaired – on duty – should be fired immediately.
No police department can afford such an officer.
The impaired officer can’t be depended upon for back-up in a dicey situation and rather than Defusing a call or traffic stop, may well escalate some simple fix into one of danger to fellow officers as well as the public they serve.
Tighter standards should be in place for potential law enforcement applicants… and they should be paid in a manner recognizing they may be dead at the end of their shift! None of them know what will come up and that they will live through it!
No wonder we have a shortage of law enforcement… we don’t pay them for the life threatening work they do!
Our military pays more for more dangerous duty… eg: Seals… Submarine service, Pilots …. why do we allow the civilian people who put themselves into danger for us work for low wages? What is YOUR life worth?
I can’t think of a more dangerous, isolating career than that of law enforcement … other than our military ..both careers make a family life difficult and require extraordinary spouses …people a cut above average.
Jeff, Thank you for doing a great job with dignity. After the David Brame thing it seems that chatter excelerated. Police officers endure the most extensive screening of any profession I can think of before being hired. Not everyone looks at the whole team as bad when when one member fails. It might feel that way but it really does not cast a shadow on the officers that are good hard working caring people. My children and I owe great thanks to one officer in particular, he saved their father’s life. He probably does not even know how much of a part of it he was. Thanks again and hold your head high.
Jeff – you nailed it.
Regarding the story about police in the Seattle paper: I wish more people would question what is written in those papers.
As someone above mentioned, there are errors in the article.
How can one simply assume that they have criminals on their police force and, at the same time, assume that the information in newspaper articles is correct?
So, is what was printed about the Kitsap case true, or not? I totally agree with what Jeff wrote, but it didn’t address the local case at all. Yes, every profession has it’s black sheep or it’s share of losers. What concerns me is they way those in charge handle it when it is brought to their attention. Was the Kitsap case an example of the “good old boy” system at work, or not?
Hunter, try asking someone other than bloggers on a news website. I’m sure there are people who are legally bound not to comment, but one person you might try is the Public Relations Officer at the Kitsap Co. Sheriff’s Office. That’s at least a place to start.