LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - 10/5/06

from The Oregonian


Be patient during probe
We are all saddened by the death of Lukus Glenn, and our hearts go out to his family. We are also respectful of the difficult decisions that law enforcement officers from all agencies must make every day to ensure our safety.

As readers may know, an investigation about the Metzger shooting is under way by the district attorney's office and the Washington County Major Crimes Team. Highly experienced detectives from a half-dozen law enforcement agencies in Washington County, under the leadership of the district attorney, are thoroughly gathering and analyzing all available information about this tragic incident.

Like everyone else concerned about the loss of a life and the impact of such an incident on the family of the young man, as well as the deputies and their families, we must await the results of the district attorney's review. The district attorney's function is limited to determining whether any criminal charges are warranted as a result of anyone's conduct in connection with this incident and whether to present the case to a grand jury.

The sheriff and his staff also carefully review every incident involving the use of force by deputies. They examine whether existing policies are followed; they will determine whether policy changes are needed and work to ensure that deputies have access to all the resources and equipment needed to successfully resolve such incidents without resorting to deadly force if possible. Through this effort, they will also identify lessons learned that can be included in the regular use-of-force training received by all deputies.

Please join us in patiently waiting for the time necessary to obtain the results of these thorough and impartial investigations.

Chairman Tom Brian and the Washington County Board of Commissioners