Editorials / Opinion

Seattle Times letters to the editor

SPD should have acknowledged mistakes earlier

It is unfortunate that without the persistence of City Councilmember Bruce Harrell and The Seattle Times to wrest information from the Seattle Police Department command staff regarding the May Day riots of this past year, we would never have received all of the answers [“City panel finally briefed on May Day report,” NWThursday, April 18].

Frankly, I find it incomprehensible that Chief John Diaz and Deputy Chief Clark Kimerer decided to suppress Capt. Joseph Kessler’s report this entire time despite the fact that he was the incident commander.

I think Seattle is tired of the image of a police department that continues to intentionally obfuscate the truth, be it from the Department of Justice, The Seattle Times or concerned City Councilmembers trying to get answers.

It’s important to recognize and acknowledge mistakes. It’s even more important to learn from them. That’s a difficult task until the Seattle Police Department command staff decides to change its ways. Let’s hope they do.

Tom Nelson, Woodinville