Police: Support, accountability can co-exist

Re: “Seattle defund fiasco is lesson for Tacoma,” (TNT editorial, 8/14).

Yes, Seattle’s recent defunding of their police department, losing 100 officers and their police chief, is a fiasco.

I am a 20-year resident of Lakewood. Since Lakewood became a city and we formed our police department we have enjoyed a huge reduction in crime. On Aug. 10, my neighbor and I held a rally in support of Lakewood police. Nearly 100 others joined us in showing appreciation for a difficult job well done.

Our support doesn’t conflict with the notion that there is a need for improvement. As much as good cops are the majority, there is not much worse than an abusive “bad” cop.

My perception is that the police union protects bad cops from being held accountable and that good cops might be guilty of closing ranks and enabling bad behavior.

I agree with the editors that we need body cameras, more de-escalation training, outside reviews of force and transparent discipline. What we don’t want and can’t afford is to throw the baby out with the bath water.

This story was originally published August 26, 2020 at 10:09 AM with the headline "Police: Support, accountability can co-exist."