Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession and Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick today released a 39-page report conducted by the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC) that evaluated the Spokane Police Department's policies and procedures. The report is the second that resulted from the Mayor's call last summer for outside reviews related to the department.

"This report will assist Chief Kirkpatrick with efforts she's already launched to improve the department," says Mayor Hession. "Making the department stronger is a priority for the Chief and me as we work to enhance the public trust in our Police Department."

The WASPC report outlines a series of changes that are needed to align the department with current best practices. The report also recommends how to integrate those policies into Police training and daily use. The Chief says she will use this information to work toward national accreditation for the department, likely in 2008.

"The Spokane Police Department has a strong foundation with dedicated officers," says Chief Kirkpatrick. "This report will help make us even better."

In the fall, the City received a report by Mike Worley, a Lexington, Ky.-based expert hired by the City, that covered the case of Daniel Ross and citizen oversight. A second report from Worley on the Otto Zehm case is anticipated when that case has been closed.