![]() When these officers are called upon to testify, letters are sent from the prosecutor’s office to alert defense attorneys of their past misbehavior - incidents that could be used to question the officers’ testimony, or impeach their credibility in court. The list is essentially a collection of cops who come with a warning label. He also was placed on a list of witnesses commonly called the “Brady list,” after the 1963 court case Brady v. Gillette received a written reprimand for the punching incident. ( Read more about how we reported this story.) Yet Gillette continues to work as a cop, as do at least 183 officers in Washington state whose dishonesty, lapses in judgment, bias or sloppy police work have landed them on a list of officers with credibility issues. According to a superior, Gillette first tried to arrest the man for a crime that didn’t exist in city code, then arrested him for a different offense - also not supported by the facts - in an apparent attempt “to justify prior use of force.” “If we look at policing as crime-fighting versus maintaining public order, we’re missing the boat,” he said.An internal police investigation found that Gillette, a Yakima police officer, used excessive force during the 2013 incident and lacked probable cause to detain the man. When homeless people say yes to help, a social worker from the Sheriff’s Office “is just a phone call away” if he needs them.Īt the town hall, Niebusch also presented on the value of the community policing model and how this pays dividends for the public’s perception of police officers. The city is not large enough to have its own dedicated social worker, Palmer said. His work chatting with people experiencing homelessness under the Avenue D bridge and around town isn’t reflected in the official contact logs. Snohomish has about 15,000 people present in town during the day because of the city’s draw, and the nightlife has a separate life of its own.īy being run by the Sheriff’s Office, the police department can call in county resources such as K-9s, search and rescue, SWAT teams and major crime investigators.ĭeputy Rich Niebusch, the department’s community outreach officer, also presented at the town hall. The number of officers to people meets best practice averages. ![]() Palmer said the size of the department fits just right for Snohomish’s size. If Snohomish Police stays with 18 deputies, this could roughly equal $235,530 in additional costs per year. The exact amount is not finalized by the county finance department. The cost averages to about $13,085 per deputy in the department, a spreadsheet shared by the sheriff’s office shows. The city’s current contract is for $3.45 million this year for 18 deputies plus two non-commissioned employees.Ĭouncil members have queries on costs, including an added requirement that the city pay for deputies’ worker’s compensation and risk management costs. ![]() The police service contract and the city’s jail services contract are on the agenda. People can give comments at the full council meeting that starts at 6 p.m. The sheriff’s office contract will be discussed further Tuesday, April 6, starting with a special meeting at 5 p.m. “Dialogue needs to be as open as possible so we hear about things,” the chief said. In the meantime, Palmer doesn’t want anyone to be shy from calling about problems. When pandemic restrictions ease, Palmer would like to hold public open house events. SNOHOMISH - City Hall is turning its attention to renewing a five-year contract with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office for police services.Ī town hall last week on the police department described how it serves with a community focus and Police Chief Rob Palmer’s goals for 2021.Īmong them, the department is conducting more night patrols and traffic safety will get renewed focus this year. ![]() Snohomish police, jail contracts to be discussed April 6
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