Yesterday, I urged the police department to invite a peer review of their investigation of the officer-involved shooting of John Williams last week at Boren Avenue and Howell Street.
Such a review would accomplish several good things.
First, it would signal to both the public and, just as importantly, the members of our police department the high confidence police commanders have in the quality and integrity of their own investigation. Inviting outside peer review would be a powerful statement that the department has nothing to fear. Plus, there is wisdom in seeking the counsel of experienced and respected colleagues.
Second, inviting a peer review would directly refute the claims of some in the community that the case file presented to the prosecuting attorney for use in the public inquest will somehow be incomplete or slanted to emphasize some facts over others in a manner that distorts an accurate assessment of the incident. Openness to outside review is a proactive action that will build public confidence.
Third, our officers and detectives deserve to be supported by the bold leadership of police leaders. Inviting a peer review of this specific incident would indeed be bold. To be blunt, police leaders need to "get ahead of the story." Taking proactive steps to demonstrate true openness, true accountability, is always a good thing.
Why is this so important?
Police use of deadly force is the ultimate expression of the authority and power we give our officers. No officer takes this authority lightly. No officer wants to use deadly force. But when it is used there must be a very careful, deliberate, and objective review and analysis. This review process is well established and includes various internal police processes and a public inquest before a judge and jury.
Because of the many questions being raised about this specific incident, adding additional scrutiny through a peer review can only help. It would be good for our city and especially good for our police officers and detectives.
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