Letter: Pasco report exonerating police officers a nail in the coffin of justice

The determination by Pasco Chief Bob Metzger that the actions of the police officers involved in the shooting of Antonio Zambrano-Montes on Feb. 10 were “consistent with department policies and procedures” is very troubling.

Metzger missed an important opportunity to acknowledge gaps and deficiencies in the Pasco police department policy manual, which have contributed to a Rambo-like doctrinal approach to conflictive situations, a setting which facilitated a shoot-and-ask-questions-later approach by the three police officers.

The police chief’s statement that all is well with the existing police policies and practices follows on the heels of an equally unfortunate decision by the county prosecutor not to file criminal charges. Thus, Metzger’s findings are one more nail in the coffin of justice in Pasco. It is another indication that the local justice system is in dire need of reform.

In discussions with Metzger, dating back to January of this year — before the Zambrano shooting — we have pointed to the need to embrace responsible and measured police policies and practices in dealing with complex situations involving conflict, especially where mental illness and language are factors.

Sadly, Metzger ignores the community’s requests that he consider important changes to his policy manual.

Pasco

This story was originally published October 5, 2015 at 9:08 PM with the headline "Letter: Pasco report exonerating police officers a nail in the coffin of justice."