This isn't a true accountabilibuddy but it deserves serious recognition. A King County judge has ruled that the names of Seattle police officers who are disciplined for misconduct may be released under public-disclosure requests. .... Superior Court Judge Dean Lum, citing the public's right to know the names, handed down his ruling after listening to arguments from the city and the guild. His decision comes at time when the Police Department is under intense scrutiny, particularly after the U.S. Justice Department found late last year that officers had routinely used excessive force on citizens. I run the State Sponsored Criminal Count specifically to help shed light on bad behavior. Why? Because light is a natural disinfecting which helps curtail bad behavior. Currently the police are protected in so many ways that they are immune from any consequences. If you are proud of your job and what you do you stand up and receive praise right. Just the same if you screw up you serve as an example for others. Besides, the fact that it's publicly available will make that officer think twice in the future less his fun be exposed as a ongoing problem with a history. So, with that, Superior Court Judge Dean Lum, Thank you. Thank you for not caving to police pressure and reinforcing the law as written. Thank you for making sure light can find those who need disinfectant the most. Because not everyone thinks that you need so many protections to do your job effectively. Continue reading →