An internal investigation of a controversial drug bust by two Seattle police officers will be re-examined, this time by the new civilian director of the department’s oversight board, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Mayor Greg Nickels has asked the incoming director of the Office of Professional Accountability, Kathryn Olson, for a report on the original investigation into complaints by a man who accused the officers of excessive force and planting evidence when they arrested him Jan. 2 on suspicion of dealing drugs. Chief Gil Kerlikowske exonerated the officers.
The new investigation will examine Kerlikowske’s role in the internal inquiry, which was harshly criticized by a review board. Kerlikowske derided the criticism as “despicable” and politically motivated. The mayor’s request guarantees that the controversial issue will remain unresolved and in the public arena for some time.
Link: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/320643_police21.html