OFFICER: Only one solution

Let me get this straight. Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson’s office “made it a point to make sure the sentence was appropriate” in the DUI case against Post Falls Police Officer Knight and that she didn’t receive a perceived preferential or overly harsh sentence because she is an officer.

That should have no bearing in a case such as this, as not everyone can become a law enforcement officer without a pristine record. Justice is supposed to be blind, without prejudice as to a person’s profession whether they are a doctor or a convenience store worker. “Making it a point” to be fair has no place in the consideration of penalty under the law.

The public has a reasonable expectation and right to hold law enforcement officers to a higher moral standard, as both law enforcement as well as the criminal justice system are supposed to serve and protect the public as a whole. In this example, that is not the case. So jail time, fine, full driving privilege suspension, required SR-22 insurance, etc., get “withheld” in lieu of two days on the sheriff’s labor program. Sixteen hours and $40 in fees for conduct unbecoming a law enforcement officer who broke the very law she has sworn to uphold, and was in fact named “Top DUI Cop” by PFPD. And after nearly running at least two other vehicles off the road before ending up in a ditch herself.

To register a .25 BAC is being smashed. She should be terminated for this offense.

RICK LINSCOTT

Post Falls