Unauthorized Maneuver A bicyclist riding without a helmet in September led to the only recent Spokane Police use-of-force incident to draw official reprimand, after a pursuing officer used his patrol car to knock the man off his bike. Just after midnight on Sept. 19, an officer ordered the bicyclist to stop, but he sped away and officers took chase. Internal Affairs records indicate Officer Christopher Conrath soon joined the pursuit along Third Avenue, yelling out his window at the bicyclist that he was under arrest. Conrath says he decided to bump the rear tire at low speed, which toppled the bike. The rider reportedly was able to step off without falling to the ground. Conrath then used an arm bar technique to take the suspect to the ground and cuff him. The man reported abrasions to his elbow and right side, but refused medical attention. Capt. David Richards and other supervisors filed complaints, arguing that the use of a vehicle to stop a subject could be considered deadly force — triggering an Internal Affairs investigation. Conrath acknowledges he intentionally bumped the bike, but did not expect to injure the rider. Assistant Police Chief Rick Dobrow later changed the type of allegation from excessive force to an unauthorized PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver, which is typically used to spin out fleeing vehicles. He issued a sustained finding against Conrath, ordering a “Document of Counseling” corrective letter as the official sanction. “You are reminded that the use of a PIT maneuver is not authorized for two wheel vehicles, to include bicycles as was the case in this incident,” the letter states. “In the future, you are directed to act within department policy when using this technique.” — JACOB JONES
officers had to clarify why they resorted to such force and received counseling on preferred tactics. Even the slightest force undergoes multiple reviews, Straub argues. All incidents also get tracked in an early warning system that can trigger a supervisor if an officer racks up an unusual number of incidents. Reports appear to reflect an increase in supervisor questions or requests for clarification toward the end of the year. Straub says the introduction of officerSend comments to worn body cameras and a police ombudseditor@inlander.com. man commission will only strengthen officer accountability. “It’s going to be very interesting,” he says. “The Spokane community is going to get to see just how professional and dedicated the police department is, and to a large degree how much crap they put up with on any given day.”
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urns says he understands the suspicions surrounding the department’s clean use-of-force record. He hopes the recent emphasis on de-escalation will result in fewer uses of force and improved dialogue with the public. He suggests that the tense June standoff along Sprague Avenue might have ended differently a few years ago. “Ultimately, I do believe that we’re seeing some of the benefits,” he says. “I’m seeing increased awareness.” The ongoing use-of-force audit from the Department of Justice involves a review of force incidents and outcomes for the past five years. Findings and any policy recommendations are expected this fall. Burns says that objective analysis should provide an opportunity for citizens to re-evaluate their confidence in the Spokane police force. “There’s some really good things that we’ve been doing,” he says, “and I expect there are some things we’ll do better.” Schaffer, with the Center for Justice, says local advocates also will be eager to see the DOJ findings. She says such an independent review remains critical to rebuilding public trust. Straub says preliminary meetings with DOJ auditors have been positive. Auditors have not expressed any concerns regarding the department’s use-of-force practices or review process. “I think there’s been a myth created around the amount of force that our officers use,” Straub says, adding, “We’re doing a pretty damn good job here.” n
JULY 17, 2014 INLANDER 15