Bloglander

The chair of Spokane's Office of Police Ombudsman Commission, Deb Conklin, might not be reappointed after three years serving on the volunteer panel. You can apply to take her seat and have a voice in police oversight in Spokane.

Candidates must live within City Council District Two, be able to pass a background check and cannot be a current or former employee of the city or the Spokane Police Department.

Email application materials to [email protected], or snail mail them to 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Spokane, WA 99201, attention City Council.

As an ombudsman commissioner, you would have a say in appointing the police ombudsman, steering the long-term goals for the office and making policy and training recommendations to the police department.

The commission also has the authority to direct the ombudsman to focus on a specific case or issue. If, for example, the commission feels the police department did not adequately address a citizen complaint, it can request further investigation.

The city is looking for a person who has been involved in the community and who has demonstrated an ability to fair and impartial. Members of city council will nominate and appoint Conklin's replacement. The city will begin reviewing applications Oct. 16, but will continue accepting them until the position is filled, according to a news release.

The ombudsman commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month in city council chambers.