As of Monday, the City Attorney’s office is reviewing the past and present DUI cases based on allegations that some DUI cases may have been mishandled. Local News | City suspends DUI cases while police investigate rubber-stamping of arrests | Seattle Times Newspaper
The investigation is based on accusations that arrest reports were not screened properly. Normally, when a person is arrested for a DUI, a supervisor reviews the arrest report and the suspect. He or she will look to the appropriateness of the alleged offense, and then sign off on the release or jail booking.
It is alleged that sergeant, David A. Abe, who is a 32-year veteran, would routinely not report for work and would approve of the DUI arrests over the phone. There are allegations that a stamp was used to affix the sergeant’s name to the report.
The DUI squad that is involved consists of 4 police officers and one sergeant. The Police Department has assigned three of the officers involved to desk duties while the investigation is pending.
The Seattle Police Department has confirmed the internal investigation, stating that it involves possible violations to DUI policy that requires that all arrests be screened by a supervisor.
This is yet another issue to befall the Seattle Police Department, which is also under investigation by the Department of Justice for allegations of using excessive force.
On Monday Craig Sims, head of the Criminal Division of the City Attorney’s Office, briefed city attorneys and stated that after the 1:30 court docket, attorneys should ask for a continuance in any case involving the three officers involved with the investigation. Sims also notified public defense attorneys of the investigation.