LUTHERAN QUILTERS – Members of the Quilts for Comfort Group stand between pews draped with some of the 205 quilts they made, in the Sitka Lutheran Church Tuesday. The group made the quilts for five local non-profits and one in Anchorage. The remaining quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief which distributes them to places around the world in need, such as Ukraine, as part of Personal Care Kits. Pictured are, from left, Helen Cunningham, Kathleen Brandt,Vicki Swanson, Paulla Hardy, Kim Hunter, Linda Swanson and Sue Fleming. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
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Daily Sitka Sentinel
Sitka Police Disclose All Operating Policies
By Sentinel Staff
The entire police department operating procedures manual was made public today, two weeks after the city denied news media requests for the department’s “use of force” policy.
The request followed the posting of a YouTube video earlier this month showing police using a Taser in a tussle with a prisoner in the Sitka jail.
On Nov. 13 the city clerk cited exemptions allowed under the state and city public records laws in denying the Sentinel’s request for a copy of the police department’s “use of force” policy. The Sentinel gave notice the same day that it would appeal to the Assembly.
On Friday the city clerk said the appeal would not be on Tuesday’s Assembly agenda because City Attorney Robin Koutchak was working on a solution to the request.
Today, the police department issued a statement announcing that the entire police Operating Procedures Manual, including the use of force policy, was being made available to the public, and is now posted on the police department page at cityofsitka.com.
The issue came up more than three weeks ago when a 2014 Sitka Police Department video was posted on YouTube showing the detention of Franklin Hoogendorn, then 18, in the Sitka jail. Hoogendorn had been arrested on several alcohol-related charges. In the video, he is seen being stripped down to his undershorts as he struggles with three police officers in a holding cell. As he continues to resist, one of the officers Tases Hoogendorn on the leg.
Sitka Police Chief Sheldon Schmitt said when the video was posted that it was “tough to watch” but the officers’ actions were within the use of force policy.
The section of the 342-page manual released today states that force may be used “only to the extent that is reasonably necessary in any given situation” and advises that an officer “should not use more force than is necessary in any situation.”
The manual does not define what constitutes “reasonably necessary” and Police Lt. Lance Ewers explained today that this is partly by design.
“An OPM or operating procedures manual is a rule book and not a law book,” Ewers said. “It’s vague because it’s a rule and not a law. The law is not vague.”
Ewers went on to explain that the law regarding use of force by police officers is clear. The rule book is intended to act as a guideline for the department, which is why the policy is intentionally vague.
“Rules are made for the guidance of wise men but only for the obedience of fools and idiots,” Ewers said.
He also said that law, as well as the department policy, are considered when any use of force is reviewed by the department.
“We would gather the audio, we would gather the video, gather the reports and witness information. And we would try and determine if it followed policy and if it broke any laws, and if so, it would be dealt with accordingly,” Ewers said.
The 2014 Tasing incident, like all use of force scenarios, was reviewed within the department in this fashion, he said.
City Administrator Mark Gorman said he was happy the manual was made available to the public following a legal review.
Ewers also said he welcomes the transparency.
“I feel great about it. I feel like the people are the police and the police are the people,” he said. “This is just the rule book here. There’s no problem with telling people what’s in the rule book.”
Lt. Jeff Ankerfelt commented in the announcement that the department places a priority on the safety of officers and the public.
“The Department is committed to limiting the use of force and maintains those practices whenever applicable. Policies and guidelines are based on those of the Alaska State Troopers and any case resulting in activity above normal handcuffing is thoroughly reviewed.”
The OPM is available through the city’s website cityofsitka.com and at sitkapd.com.
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20 YEARS AGO
March 2004
Advertisement: Tea-Licious Tea House & Bakery 315 Lincoln Street Grand Opening! Freshly Baked Scones, Cakes & Pastries Innovative Salads, Soups & Sandwiches Harney & Sons Tea. Lunch * Afternoon Tea * Supper.
50 YEARS AGO
March 1974
Photo caption: National Republican Chairman George Bush takes a drink of water offered by Jan Craddick, Sitka delegate, during the Republican convention held here. Mrs. Craddick explained to Bush that the water was from Indian River, which means, according to local legend, that he will return.