Washington: Seattle benches DUI police squad while probe examines screenings of reports; endanger dozens of cases

From Seattle Times
Seattle police have launched an internal investigation into the alleged mishandling of dozens of drunken-driving cases by members of the department’s DUI Squad, prompting city attorneys to put some prosecutions on hold.
City Attorney Peter Holmes said in a statement that his criminal division will review current and past driving-under-the-influence (DUI) cases to determine whether they may be affected by the pending findings of the police investigation.
The investigation, disclosed by sources familiar with the matter and later confirmed by the department, is focused on accusations that arrest reports weren’t properly screened and approved by a sergeant in the DUI Squad, as required under department policy. The investigation has forced the department to pull all but one member of its five-member DUI Squad from the street and assign them to desk duties, according to police.  ….MORE
From Seattle PI
All but one member of the Seattle police DUI squad have been reassigned and are being investigated by the department.  · Read the full police statement
Beginning March 8, the DUI squad sergeant was investigated after Capt. Dick Belshay reviewed what the department called supervisory inconsistencies from the squad.   …MORE

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