Walla Walla Police Chief assembles advisory board following controversy

WALLA WALLA, Wash.-- During a virtual town hall meeting Thursday night, Walla Walla Police Chief Scott Bieber announced that he has assembled an advisory board to help in the review of current police policy, and to recommend updates as needed.

The eleven person board is made up of community members, and one Walla Walla City Councilman, who is serving in the capacity of a resident, not as a council member. All the members of the board were personally selected by Chief Bieber.

The move is response to recent calls to defund the Walla Walla Police Department following controversy regarding a police officer's tattoo. Concern about the tattoo, and the police department's stance on racism and use of force, led to such a backlash from the community that the agency removed its social media pages.

"That officer and police force have been accused of white supremacy," said Mayor Tom Scribner during Thursday's town hall meeting. "The very moving and very honorable reason for the tattoo was by many given little if any credence. Council has received emails, calls, and letters, asking-- some demanding-- that we take action on the tattoo issue."

Chief Bieber reiterated during the video town hall that the officer's tattoo did not violate the department's policy, but the officer did decided of his own accord to have the tattoo altered.

Related Story: Walla Walla Police Officer to remove portion of controversial tattoo

Mayor Scribner went on to say that some on the community are calling for the police chief's ouster, some are demanding that the police department have its budget cut significantly, and there are still many in the community that expressed support for the police agency.

While the council has no immediate plans to address whether to defund the police agency, Chief Bieber has assembled a board of community members to review policy and recommend ways to improve the police department.

The members of the board include:

• Steve Moss
• Lindsey Luna
• Roger Esparza
• Earl Gooding
• Kanesha Henderson
• Roberto Rodriguez
• Noah Leavitt
• Brook Bouchey
• Tom Maccarone
• Nadine Stecklein
• Dick Morgan

The group will discuss issues related to the police department, and provide recommendations to the Chief about possible changes in policy.

The board is also expected to consider whether the implement body-worn cameras for the agency.

The City of Walla Walla plans to hold another town hall on July 23, 2020. The community is invited to participate in that forum by signing up ahead of time online.

You can view the video of Thursday night's presentation HERE.