Bothell King County DUI Attorney: Seattle DUI Squad another Seattle Police Department Embarrassment

Bothell King County DUI Attorney: Seattle DUI Squad another Seattle Police Department Embarrassment

 

SEATTLE -- Is a police department already under intense scrutiny now trying to avoid public questions?

The Seattle Police Department on Monday took the unusual step of releasing a videotaped statement about a DUI scandal instead of talking with reporters and taking questions the public may have about the case.

This is a bizarre procedure.

Seattle police blew the whistle on its own DUI squad, saying three officers didn't follow departmental policy by failing to have a sergeant sign off on their reports.

It could have been a big plus -- an internal look-see to protect the public.

You may have seen the story about the dozens of DUI cases under scrutiny.

You may have heard the words from Deputy Chief Clark Kimerer: "From time to time issues arise that require review to insure best practices are being followed."

What you may not know is that statement was on the police website. There was no news conference, no questions from reporters.

Public relations professional Ron Dotzauer says the video news release by police was a "horrible idea."

"This is, again, gaming the system. This is a manipulative process that they are deploying rather than having a transparent process to deal with the public," he said.

Police say the criticism is misplaced; there's an ongoing investigation and no questions can be answered. A spokesman said the taped statement was an attempt to give TV stations the video it needs.

But Dotzauer calls it a bad decision by an agency facing a federal investigation and public concern.

"(Amid) suspicion about the professionalism of the Seattle Police Department, this just continues to contribute to the suspicion of how they are doing business," he said.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn had this to say about the video news release: "I think it is important for government to use all means of communicating, including questions and answers of the media."

The police video is on the Seattle Channel website. I asked the Seattle Channel whether it ever shot video news releases. The station said absolutely not, not even one that they can remember.

Turns out this video was shot at the police department, and was only distributed by the Seattle Channel.

If you wonder if future police comment will be by website only, the mayor says no.

"I am sure the police department will be available to answer questions on any number of on-going topics, as am I," said McGinn.

Dotzauer says concern over the video statement is more about the public than the media. He says the public deserves accessibility through the media.

Perhaps this time, it was just an experiment at communication. But Dotzauer says it was a failed experiment that should not be repeated.

 

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