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Inquest proper in questionable police shootings

amlevin

amlevin

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Messages
5,937
Location
North of Seattle, Washington, USA
maclean said:
In King County, they are automatic - not just proper.

Do other counties do them?
Click to expand...

If they are "Automatic" then why did the County Executive claim that he "ordered" one in this case? That wouldn't just be a politician trying to grab some headlines, would it?

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013135423_inquest12m.html

"Acting on a recommendation from the King County Prosecutor's Office, County Executive Dow Constantine on Monday ordered an inquest into the fatal shooting of a homeless woodcarver by a Seattle police officer on Aug. 30.

Constantine asked Barbara Linde, the presiding judge of the King County District Court, to assign a judge to oversee the court proceeding."
 
Last edited:
ak56

ak56

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Aug 10, 2009
Messages
746
Location
Carnation, Washington, USA
amlevin said:
If they are "Automatic" then why did the County Executive claim that he "ordered" one in this case? That wouldn't just be a politician trying to grab some headlines, would it?

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013135423_inquest12m.html

"Acting on a recommendation from the King County Prosecutor's Office, County Executive Dow Constantine on Monday ordered an inquest into the fatal shooting of a homeless woodcarver by a Seattle police officer on Aug. 30.

Constantine asked Barbara Linde, the presiding judge of the King County District Court, to assign a judge to oversee the court proceeding."
Click to expand...

From the King County charter:
Section 895 Mandatory Inquests.
An inquest shall be held to investigate the causes and circumstances of any death involving a member of the law enforcement agency of the county in the performance of his duties.

From the King County Code:
2.16.080 Seattle-King County department of public health.
E. The duties of the prevention division shall include the following:
5. Perform medical examiner and statutory coroner duties, except for the holding of inquests, which function is vested in the county executive.
Click to expand...

Not only is it mandatory, but the county executive is responsible for them. So who did he give the 'order' to? Himself?

Or does this not apply because it was a SPD officer involved, and not a County Deputy?
 
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