Slog - Comments on Auditor Says SPD Isn't Misusing Obstruction Charges http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi A report just released by Office of Professional Accountability Auditor Kate Pflaumer appears to have cleared the Seattle Police Department of allegations from civil rights groups and attorneys that officers have used obstruction charges to cover for improper or violent arrests. Pflaumer, who compiled the report at the request of Mayor Greg Nickels, examined "obstruction only" arrests between January 2006 and July 2008 and found "no pattern of abuse" in how officers use obstruction charges. According to Pflaumer's report, only 16 SPD officers have three or more obstruction arrests, and of the 76 cases Pflaumer examined, only 14 resulted in... Copyright 2008 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:18:13 -0800 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:09:59 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by Greg Doesn't it seem suspicious that for 76 obstruction charges, none resulted in jail time?

]]> Greg http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170463 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170463 News Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:01:02 -0800 Comment by keshmeshi How about assault charges after the fact? Any pattern of abuse there?

]]> keshmeshi http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170472 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170472 News Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:11:53 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle So why is the budget for them so out of control, then?

Hmmm?

Yeah, like we actually believe you ...

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170496 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170496 News Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:29:37 -0800 Comment by Trevor I'm not sure I understand. Is the OPA auditor is using the lack of an OPA complaint as prima facie evidence that there is no problem with the arrest? If so, that's bullshit.

But even if not, can't we point out the obvious here? The OPA auditor exists mainly to reinforce the lack of transparency abound the OPA. If this supposedly independent expert has reviewed the files, then we're supposed to be contented with the fact that the public has no access to them whatsoever. Nothing to see here. Trust us...

]]> Trevor http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170512 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170512 News Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:36:24 -0800 Comment by Free Lunch So, 7 arrests resulting from jaywalking (not even a misdemeanor) doesn't indicate an abuse of power?

]]> Free Lunch http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170561 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170561 News Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:32:06 -0800 Comment by pigroast To protect and serve, my ass!

Take that any way you want to.

]]> pigroast http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170646 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/auditor_says_spd_isnt_misusing_obstructi#c1170646 News Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:09:59 -0800