SPD showed negligence and lack of accountability

My father and uncle were Boston police officers, thus I honor their service and those who wear the badge. However, the state Supreme Court found that Seattle police officers can’t be held liable for failing to anticipate that a deranged man would kill with shotgun shells they didn’t confiscate [“Justices rules SPD not to blame in 2005 slaying,” NWFriday, Feb. 1].

Records showed the officers knew the man was mentally disturbed and that he had a shotgun. The ruling overturned decisions by a King County judge and the state Court of Appeals, which had refused to dismiss a suit by the widow of Michael Robb, who was killed on June 26, 2005.

The first pillar of the SPD’s mission statement is: “Fight crime — to collectively place the right people, in the right place, at the right time, with the right knowledge and skills to reduce crime in the community.” My father and uncle are rolling over in their graves right now over this ruling. It’s a clear case of negligence, poor training and a complete lack of accountability by the system.

Shame on you, Supreme Court, If the victim had been wearing a black robe I am sure the ruling would have been in favor of the widow.

--Tim Murphy, Seattle