EMAIL: Re: 2nd request - RE: Bellevue WA Police Department Office of Professional Standards

Mr. D,

Please see my responses to your questions below. If you need further clarification on anything, please let me know.

Thank you.

LT. Ingram

1. Who currently comprises the Bellevue Police Department Office of Professional Standards?

There are three positions in the Office of Professional Standards; Captain Hoffman, Lt. Ingram and the Public Information Officer, Officer Tyler.

2. Where is this information located?

This information is located on the City of Bellevue’s website under Police. On this website is a link to the Bellevue Police Policy Manual.

The Office of Professional Standards is under the police of “16.00.020 Office of the Chief.” The Office of Professional Standards is also on the organizational chart.

http://www.bellevuewa.gov/police.htm

http://bellevuewa.gov/Other/Police/PolicyManual/16.00.020.html

http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/Police/Police_2014_Org_Chart_01_01_14.pdf

3. According to the policy I found on line, the office is consists of Captain, a Lieutenant, and the PIO. All within the same department, with no citizen oversight or outside legal opinions. The City Manager is supposedly their liaison. Is this correct?

The Bellevue Police Department has an internal Legal Advisor, Melissa Chin, who is a civilian. The City also has attorneys that provide legal support and advice to the police department. There is no citizen oversight or outside legal opinions.

http://www.bellevuewa.gov/city-attorney.htm

I don’t understand your question regarding the City Manager as liaison. The Chief of Police is appointed by and reports directly to the City Manager. However, the Chief of Police has overall authority and management responsibility of the Police Department.

4. Please confirm, is Captain Hershey currently part of the BPD Office of Professional Standards?

Captain Hershey is assigned to Patrol and is not part of the Office of Professional Standards.

5. Who handles complaints, when the complaint involves a member of the Office of Professional Standards?

If there was a complaint on Officer Tyler or Lt. Ingram, Captain Hoffman would handle the complaint.

If the complaint was regarding Captain Hoffman then either a Major or the Deputy Chief would handle the complaint.

If the complaint was about an investigation that Lt. Ingram and Captain Hoffman conducted, the Major or the Deputy Chief would handle the complaint.