City Hall
Officer Involved in "Mexican Piss" Incident Suspended for 30 Days
At a press conference today at Seattle Police Department headquarters, Police Chief John Diaz announced that Detective Shandy Cobane, the officer who stomped on a Latino suspect and said he would "beat the fucking Mexican piss out of you, homey," would be suspended for 30 days without pay but would not be fired. As part of the penalty, Diaz said "there will be no appeal," a condition to which Cobane agreed.
Diaz told a roomful of reporters that "I have today what I think is a just decision." He spent time emphasizing the fact that Cobane's outburst, caught on tape by bystanders, was one mistake in a long history of otherwise excellent policework. He called Cobane a "truly remorseful officer," noting that he had "never made an excuse for his actions." [pullquote]Diaz told a roomful of reporters that "I have today what I think is a just decision." He spent time emphasizing the fact that Cobane's outburst, caught on tape by bystanders, was one mistake in a long history of otherwise excellent policework.[/pullquote]
Diaz told reporters Cobane "has to rebuild his reputation" with the city's community, and noted that the officer would be moved to a patrol unit.
Outside, President of the Seattle Police Officers Guild Rich O'Neill told reporters that "trust has been damaged — but today is a rebuilding day," acknowledging "this has been an incident that has hurt us."
"Diaz has made it very clear that there will be a presumption of termination if any other officer goes down this road" and uses racial slurs, O'Neill said. He told reporters that Cobane was committed to working with the community, and argued that the decision "is going to help [the trust issue]" between the community and police. O'Neill and Diaz both explained their view that if the department had moved forward with a termination and had the decision been appealed and overturned, the outcome would be worse for the community.
As part of his punishment, Cobane will be required to participate in additional training and will have to do volunteer service in the community. He will also be reassigned to patrol.
In a press release, council member Tim Burgess said that the SPD's punishment was "appropriate:"
Diaz told a roomful of reporters that "I have today what I think is a just decision." He spent time emphasizing the fact that Cobane's outburst, caught on tape by bystanders, was one mistake in a long history of otherwise excellent policework. He called Cobane a "truly remorseful officer," noting that he had "never made an excuse for his actions." [pullquote]Diaz told a roomful of reporters that "I have today what I think is a just decision." He spent time emphasizing the fact that Cobane's outburst, caught on tape by bystanders, was one mistake in a long history of otherwise excellent policework.[/pullquote]
Diaz told reporters Cobane "has to rebuild his reputation" with the city's community, and noted that the officer would be moved to a patrol unit.
Outside, President of the Seattle Police Officers Guild Rich O'Neill told reporters that "trust has been damaged — but today is a rebuilding day," acknowledging "this has been an incident that has hurt us."
"Diaz has made it very clear that there will be a presumption of termination if any other officer goes down this road" and uses racial slurs, O'Neill said. He told reporters that Cobane was committed to working with the community, and argued that the decision "is going to help [the trust issue]" between the community and police. O'Neill and Diaz both explained their view that if the department had moved forward with a termination and had the decision been appealed and overturned, the outcome would be worse for the community.
As part of his punishment, Cobane will be required to participate in additional training and will have to do volunteer service in the community. He will also be reassigned to patrol.
In a press release, council member Tim Burgess said that the SPD's punishment was "appropriate:"
“There must be consequences when standards are not met and the Chief’s decision to suspend the detective for 30 days is appropriate. I am particularly encouraged that the department and Detective Cobane will take additional steps toward restorative justice.
“Detective Cobane has a long and good record of service in our city. He has publicly acknowledged his mistake. He has agreed to work in the community and learn the power of respectful collaboration. He can now move forward from this incident and play an important role in educating his peers. The entire department can and must use this opportunity to repair and rebuild its relationships with the community."
