This is outrageous and a grevious failure of government and "our tax dollars at work". No question that anyone who sent one of the emails in question should be fired. The entire, remaining department should be required to attend an in-person harassment training (minimum 1-day).

This is unforgivable in officers, managers and anyone funded by our tax dollars.

I know I shouldn't answer a question with a question but it leads to what I would like to say ultimately. Where was the systems administrator? He or she didn't report this going over his/her network? Even the city of Buckley has a sys admin that pays attention. I did some surfing on my father in laws laptop and he got in trouble when he connected it to the department's network. No pictures just cookies saying his machine had been to the site.

I would expect that emails are viewed prior to being allowed to leave the network using applications used to block spam. These same filters should be able to be reverse engineered to analyze outgoing messages on a network.

I work for a local ISP and EVERYTHING we do is captured including IM conversations. I know my employer has a smaller budget than the city of Seattle. Where is the not talked about systems admin?

I think this really does speak volumes as to where our tax dollars go. Finally, all guilty parties should be fired with benefits revoked immediately. As for the manpower, tap into the Police Reserves or Explorer posts.

Are you serious...don't you have any more important news to report on. These are pictures! It's not like they are pulling over women and asking them for sexual favors. Oh yeah that was the state patrol. I think a reprimand and some refersher courses in how to be an adult is sufficient punishment for this, 'NOT' crime.

As a business owner and manager of up to 45 employees, I find it interesting that there have been no comments regarding discipline for employees who are union members. While many people may be understandibly upset over the misuse of email, one cannot overreact and base business decisions on emotion.

I believe that the Port of Seattle reacted in exactly the correct manner. An improper act was discovered, investigated, and punishment meted out in various forms due to various degrees of misconduct. All of these employees are union members. Any form of discipline must be progressive in nature. One cannot fire an otherwise exemplary employee for a simple misuse of email when that person can be retrained and reprimanded instead.

I have been in the position where I have had to reprimand my own employees for email violations, and I must say that those incidents have not reoccured. I have found retraining, not severe punishment, to be a better tool to change insensitive behavior.

I was watching part of the Oprah Winfrey Show right before the King 5 news came on. The part of the show I caught before changing the channel in disgust was discussing topics like, "how much foreplay is enough", and "how long has it been since you've had sex". You might want to ask how often the average person is overwhelmed with commercials for viagra and other sexually related topics, and if these commercials are sponsoring King 5 news. Change the channel and watch "The Man Show" if you're interested in sexist behavior. Want racism? Watch Mencia or South Park. If topics like that are aired on prime time during the day when kids are home from school, how can society and a news station pretend to be outraged because some guys like to check out pornography via the internet and email? How is that any different from the same employee reading a sexually explicit magazine while they're on their break? Are we going to censor that, too? Pardon me if I'm making a leap here, but isn't all of this legal behavior? I personally dislike being inundated by this garbage, but I have a solution for myself. It's called changing the channel or deleting the SPAM. I wonder what we'd find if someone did an investigative report on the internet usage of the King 5 employees. It happens at every business. Get real. If you want to clean up society start with television.

Susannah,
This is "Big Time" stuff - rates right up there with the oil for food program and the soaring murder rates throughout the Country. I'm really fascinated by some of the BLOG entries by obvious cop haters that think all the officers in question should be drawn and quartered, fired and jailed. Also, it would be fun to root around the computers in the KING news room and see what there is to find there. As for the anonymous source - no doubt some disgruntled whiner who had her/his feelings hurt and now wants everyone to pay. Finally, I'll be looking for your name when the Pulizers are handed out next year...

This is absolutely rediculous
The video that they describe is called "The Amazing Racist", and a quick seach on youtube shows that over 400,000 people have seen it. People need to recognize satire when they see it.

I think that it is amazing that so many sex offenders and perverts can go unnoticed but when bunch of average-joe policemen email some raunchy videos and pictures to each other everyone gets up in arms.

King dont you have anything better to report on?

Susannah,
A written reprimand was entirely appropriate or do you prefer their severed heads on a pole? . I have to side with alot of the other bloggers here, this story has alot of "hype" but very little "substance". Reminds me of my high school newspaper. I officially challenge KING 5, the P.I., Times any media outlet in this city to open up their entire email files to the public....Any takers? Hey Susannah how about your email files??? wanna volunteer?

I applaud the Port of Seattle management for doing the "right" thing. The role of a manager is to mentor and counsel their employees! In this case, corrective action was taken to make sure this unwanted behavior does not occur in the future. Discipline only works if it is progressive. Finally an employer is getting it right!!

Our law enforcement is expected to maintain a level of integrity and ethical standards. How are citizens expected to respect and trust the people who are here to protect and serve, when they themselves are showing lack of good judgment and lack of integrity? As woman of color, I am especially concerned about the mistreatment of women (and men alike) by these officers, which we may not be aware of, due to their racist implications. This type of behavior is unacceptable to the community; the people who pay their salaries. I expect more than some class attendance and a verbal reprimand.

“Cop haters”? What the heck! Hey, I am actually in law enforcement and an active union member, and I am saying good job King 5! Shame on all of you, some of whom I recognize as being retired Port police, for attempting to minimize, and even justify, the actions or more appropriately, the inactions of these people!

Did you not hear the description of the material? How about the numbers and who is involved here? Not just officers but lieutenants and sergeants! Give me a freaking break people! There are obviously serious problems in this agency. In my department we don’t have time for this, we are busy actually working, going call to call, and doing our jobs!

Reprimands were not at all appropriate regardless of union representation. What about the Puyallup Police incident or even the Lewis County Sherriff’s incident? There were demotions, suspensions, and terminations in both of those incidents. Why then should the Port police be allowed to misuse taxpayer purchased computers to spread racist, pornographic, and sexist material? These are police officers for heaven's sake who took an oath that is supposed to mean something!

I bet if those of you who posted to this blog in defense of the cops realized you or your family’s request for police services was delayed because the cops were too busy exchanging pornographic e-mails, might not be so quick to attempt to minimize the obvious problem here.

There is simply no excuse for this behavior by those entrusted, and in the case of the Port of Seattle Police, paid very well I may add, by the taxpaying public, in, "…providing their global community the highest quality public service"--recognize this quote? It's from the Port of Seattle Police's mission statement. The Port of Seattle Police should read and actually try practicing what they have written down.

Keep up the good work Susannah!

32 people over 2 YEARS sent or received or saved (did not delete?) 175 emails that had inappropriate content?

Wow. That would have been interesting news in 1997. In 2007 it is definately not "E-gate".

If I sent one inappropriate email to everyone at king5 right now, how many people would get in trouble for receiving it?

To Brenda Marsden.......

AMEN to that. It's everywhere. Why make such a big deal of what those guys did? Purity starts at home.

So at WHAT point do we expect our city/county/federal law enforcement to be SO bionic, so inhuman, they cannot, will not, be enticed by, what is typically contrived by society at large, to be so ALLURING and for the most part, sanctioned as “normal” (read up for Brenda Marsden's entry) . The emails exchanged were NOT plots to steal your tax dollars or reduce police services to your neighborhood, they were, split second decisions to either pass on an irreverent (funny to some/offensive to others) email to co-workers/friends. IMAGINE THESE....Officers, no matter their rank, are HUMAN BEINGS – WEIRD, I know…take a second to consider the concept… Believe it or not, police officers REALLY DO represent a cross section of the society in which they live!

BUT do you want YOUR officers so immune to typical passions and human nature that they cannot, behave as real, emotionally capable people? Do you want a heartless person responding if it’s YOUR sister who calls 911 because she’s been raped? You CANNOT have ONE without the OTHER…humanness without being prone to error, impossible. Just think – when you, your wife, your mother, dial 911 – it’s that same fallible HUMAN that will drive 100 mph to your house, draw their gun and DESPITE ALL fear they feel, protect you at their very own peril! So IF they go back and read things that YOU may find offensive on what you FEEL is YOUR time being paid by your dollars, just remember – so is THEIR HEROISM! Their willingness to strap on a gun (GASP!) every day, drive 100 miles an hour to see if someone is REALLY breaking into your house, …….doesn’t matter; if you call – we’re there!!! That same officer will be at your door in a heartbeat to help SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU’VE ASKED!

By all means the next time you feel compelled to call 911, please do – we’re there!! Because, guess what? Susannah Frame won’t, and I highly doubt anyone from King 5 would find it important enough to investigate, comfort and give your children teddy bears to ease their fears. However, if you anti-police “bloggers” SINCERELY feel that we aren’t worthy of your confidence, then please; by ALL MEANS call someone else. Truly, there are enough citizens who truly appreciate us, no matter our humanness thus imperfections. We are trained to respect PEOPLE, because they ARE people. We take an oath to protect and serve, the PUBLIC AT LARGE– we do our job and more often than not, we do it well. I refuse to be embarrassed or shamed into the belief that because I’ve taken an oath of authority and responsibility that I must be perfect. Trust me, officers realize working in such a highly visible position requires constant attention to integrity and high standards of character. But atain, we're HUMANS...just like you - If PERFECT were the criteria, we would be a police-less state.

If the emails are offensive, then choose not to read. If you’re not into naked women, don’t look at the provocative emails. And by the same token, if the offensive emails are found to be criminal, then by all MEANS let’s prosecute these people. But no matter how MUCH you would like that, for the sake of your story Susannah, we all know it’s just not the case. Its simply human beings being human, albeit on company time but really, is it worthy of investigatory reporting? There’s no conspiracy or larger story here, the Port of Seattle brass has it handled – go cover the friggin’ weather for God’s sake, or perhaps the traffic because that's SUPER important.

Oh, and you Jeremy? You should definitely call a Police Explorer the next time your car’s been stolen or you’ve been assaulted – we all know that 16 year olds are highly trained investigators; I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Just so you all know, including you Miss Susannah F, these “inappropriate” emails crossed all racial and gender boundaries, seemingly no one was immune. So let’s just all be offended and hate together, okay? We all know that just makes the world a much better place, especially with extra media coverage. But in the event you’re having trouble getting the real story? You should contact Jeremy in Buckley, he knows some teenagers that are “WAY INTO SOPHISTICATED” police work and could TOTALLY help you solve this “crime” of E-Gate. It’s EMAIL PEOPLE – GET REAL~!!!!!!!!!!

WOW, I haven't written this MUCH since college, I'm EXHAUSTED but feel WAY better - thanks!

Ps/ I LOVE YOU DAVE HINES!!!!!!!!!

How the hell did race come in to this. It didn't take long for that card to be pulled out, did it? And.... Why does that always have to show up anyway.

>

Hmmmm....I'm thinkin' the WORST breed of cop haters are COPS THEMSELVES. KEEP YOURSELF IN CHECK - you are totally losing your dignity and making us ALL look bad. But don't worry, most of us are noble enough to go down swingin.....

Hey Joe, if race is a "card" then it was played by King 5 and their relaying of the email re: the inappropriate Hispanic joke. Not cool, I agree, but you should ask Susannah, not anyone else.

This is rediculous. There is better news out there to report rather than some porno emails at a police station(s). Seriously. This has nothing to do with our "tax dollars". Give me a break people. How do you know that any of this took place while on the clock anyway? And if it did, who cares! This is definately not worth firing our police officers over. Wouldn't you rather have some porn-watching officer save you rather than no one at all?! There are points in everyone's working day when they have nothing better to do than surf the net or check e-mail. It's not like they are giving up their patrols to look at porn or to view a funny video. Sure porn is disgusting (coming from a women's point of view), and yes it should only be viewed in the privacy of one's home. About the video, it WAS funny in my opinion, but it doesn't make me a racist. Until you've opened an email, you can't be sure to what's inside. And out of all of the people who had access to the porn and video they were talking about, how many actually re-sent the email? King 5, look for something else to report on rather than dragging our law enforcement down. With all of this criticism, who would want to become a police officer if no one appreciates their work?

this is really disgusting that the incidents occurred and then nothing is done. a letter of reprimand and l0 days paid time off work. what a rough time that must be for the officer in question. we are supposed to be teaching children to look up to the police - sorry, no wonder they have been such a joke for so many years. i would expect better from this agency.

But let's be honest, how often do we hear stories on all of the good work the Port does? It is always the bad that makes the news. Let's be fair.

I am sure there is not ONE person in this entire country that is not guilty of doing something inappropriate or at one time or another doing something against their better judgment. Yet, we are all so quick to flaunt our hypocritical superiority when someone else is caught, and quick to show no mercy. However, if the tables were turned, and WE were caught, we would hope that mercy would be shown to us. These officers did something they probably shouldn't do in a workplace, however, I think firing them is hardly justifiable.

Are they paid to watch/transmit porn or to protect the public? Is it too much to ask that they give us 12 hours of their life (shift) to focus on what they were hired for? I guess they need to have their internet restricted with an internet nanny program..... or maybe they have it too easy with the Port of Seattle that they have too much time....

This story is based on "he said,she said". Who cares who sent what email?! I dont' know too many people who have not sent an innapropriate email of some kind. Whether it be a photo or slander of racial content. You are not invesitagting the appropriate individuals. Ask the Issaquah Police Dept. about their difficut times with officers having sex on duty, in cars, and back alleys. Dig deep into their officer files. Ask them what they did to make it go away. They lost a femal officer and the city paid her off. Look up above at what people have commented on. Many cases involving other agencies and other departments.Let's see who is responsible for domestic violence and rape !! Those officers need to be invesitgated.... NOT the guys who are really innocent here. This is a waste of time and a waste of my tax dollars ! The list of officers that you are picking apart are guys who have done amazing things and guys who have saved dozens of lives doing their jobs. I am continually amazed at what you people dredge up to make a story but you should really be looking firther to find the "real" stories out there. I promise you...their not stories. There is truth and evidence and many, many dirty cops with a vengance to prove themselves to society and they are willing to use their badge to abuse their power. Most of them Narcissists and Sociopaths who need serious help. There should be a law that makes sure those who "want to protect" us should have an in depth psychoanalysis before they carry a gun !

I retired from the Sacramento Police Department approximately 10 years ago & the department had a strict policy against inappropriate use of computer messages, including those of a sexual nature. Part of my job as a sergeant was to visually peruse emails, looking for inappropriate emails, though, I never found any, One officer & dispatcher were caught sending emails to each other indicating in detail, the sexual exploits they intended for each other after work. To my knowledge they were fired, after all every officer & employee knew the rules regarding the appropriate use of the radio and computer. But, cops are, unfortunately much like many people in the work place, " I know the rules but if I can get away with breaking them, then what the heck!" Men & women who serve & represent the law need to be honest, moral & above reproach. The ideals we bring to the job in the beginning, need to be revisited & reconfirmed. Someone, once asked me if seeing criminals return to the streets so quickly after their arrests bothered me. I told him no, because the arrest was not personal, it was a job, I had done what was required and if the arrested subject was free on their own recognicence(OR) or bail, then that was the systems problem, let it fix the problem with legislation, if needed.

It's a little disapointing that this is going on.....and I think now that it's been exposed, the parties involved will correct it.
The employee's at the Port of Seattle - from the Chief down - will learn from this.
Scandal is news.
Find something the Port of Seattle police did that was good and report on it.

No one seems to understand the point. In corporate America, EVERY DAY employees are terminated for the inappropriate use of corporate assets, which is the case here. Employees know the rules, and there are no worthless "letters of reprimand" issued. "Letters" are meaningless. They need to be terminated. I wouldn't doubt if the Police Chief was in on the string of emails. He, for some reason, is very quiet.

I LOVE SEATTLE & I want to feel safe when I go into the Port of Seattle!!

Teachers that are caught surfing porn are put on leave during an investigation but NOT OUR POLICE?!? Teachers have a unique control over our kids in school but the police have more of a control over the entire public! OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE!!!

I would like to know how it is that the people that are supposed to serve & protect the public from abuses of all types only get a slap on the hand for their not only breaking their own departmental rules & in the same sense the law of law abiders?

If these officers are so sexually charged why should I feel safe that I wont be sexually harassed or God forbid abused by any of them when I am in the Port of Seattle??

Why would I want to go & take friends including kids down to the Port of Seattle knowing that there are so called officers that are supposedly there to protect us. Yet instead are probably out surfing porn & could possibly take control of one of us law abiding citizens into their clutches & not be abused in anyway??

Is this why when I tried for an hour to locate an officer I couldn’t find this last summer??

Why should I take my hard earned money & spend it down in the Port of Seattle to pay those officer’s salaries when they might be getting paid to surf porn or abuse myself, friends & family??

I think the whole department should be cleaned up & rid the beautiful city of Seattle with their own home grown garbage in the Port of Seattle Police Department including the Chef beings he only thinks this behavior only should be a slap on the hands of those offending officers!

Could this be why sex offenders are only arrested once out of seven offences & get off so easily in their charges & sentences? Because our law enforcement are of the same as those that are supposedly being investigated & arrested???

How does this make all police officers look in not only Seattle but all over the country?? I know many good decent law abiding police officers & this department makes all police officers look BAD!! Shame on all of you!!

Come on, now. Let's be honest here folks. How many of you have never, ever checked out a little porn on the internet or in a magazine or something? Judge not..........! ALL FORMS of nudity, whether an innocently clean picture of a womans breast or all out XXX sex acts before the camera are called porn. That is why we used to judge the severity of the porn by the X's. Some businesses even call the Sports Illustrated calendar porn. I know Boeing does. Who are we to judge what REALLY happened here. They did break the rules of the port and there should be some form of punishment for these people, but not firing them and ruining their lives.

This is a problem and should be dealt with, however, I think Susannah is trying to heap coals. What I thought was really amazingly foolish on the part of Susannah was she took this information to people like Roberto Maestas at El Centro de La Raza which is a prejudice institution in it's own right. For those that don't know El Centro de La Raza means the Center for the Race, which implies that Hispanics are the only race or THE race. I am also sure that it is a tax exempt institution. If white people had a place called the Center for the White Race it would be targeted with investigations for racial discrimination. On top of that everyone knows that this institution is anti-American and would do anything to see the names of our law enforcement officers defamed. Then she takes the evidence to Lisa Stone who is a man hater and heaps more coals onto the fire for the Feminazis to use to bring down males in society.
I think Susannah should be reprimanded for not reporting the story but interjecting her opinion about it and then showing it to people who can use it as fodder to cause disruption in a worse sense. I think Susannah is making it worse than what it needs to be.

Wow...King5 was really bored. Give me a break. Check the computers at King5 and tell me what you find on your email. Your twist on this story was pathetic...

Rank-and-file cops work dirty, dangerous, dull jobs for low wages, which means for the most part they are closer to being oilfield roughnecks than Exxon vice-presidents in their tastes as well as their wallets.

Susannah Frame, a Jet Set college graduate with a salary six times what a rookie port officer makes patrolling fences, cannot be expected to see anything but unclean, uncultured people when looking at these cops.

Because these men do not cultivate the same interests as someone who only vacations "away from the tourist traps". It is possible in fact, that they even drink their pinot noir chilled and prefer pan-n-scan DVDs to OAR.

Yes folks there you have it, this isn't a Race divide or a Class divide it's a Sophistication divide -- one that's poorly understood by both the media and ironically, by interest groups supposedly working to eliminate discrimination in our culture.

Go now, switch your plasma TV from showing slides of your kids attending that charming candlelit Christmas Mass in Berne last month, pop in your OAR DVD of Les Miserables and ponder if you are hounding these men for doing wrong or simply for lacking the ambition to descriminate with grand style ... such as by flying their kids to Switzerland so they don't have to spend Christmas with crude people.

Oh Susannah.... So happy to see you could make it out of Yakima and become a big city reporter. I see your stories got bigger but your small mind from your small town stayed the same. At the end of your report, you mentioned a port maintenance worker that was fired for surfing porn. There is a difference between surfing porn, opening websites and allowing the internal server to be compromised. I could understand that reprimand but you're comparing apples to oranges. From what it sounds like your saying is that the officers invloved opened an attatchment someone had already sent them and/or passed on a joke. You've got to be kidding me ! Let's start an investigation on every department, company, firm, hospital,etc... Let's just see what everyone out there is up to at work. I gurantee you....those guys need a good laugh now and then. The job they do everyday is not always the most uplifting. You of all people should understand the immigration joke....you are from Yakima !

Question 1: Would these police officers have sent paper copies of the nude and sex act photos to each other using the Port's company "snail mail" mail system? Would they have sent a cartoon portrayal of the video to each other via the Port's "snail mail" system?

Question 2: Why is it difficult to understand that email is a lot like a company's "snail mail" system? If you would not mail it in an envelope, don't email it.

Question 3: Should "showing good judgement" and "shows professionalism on the job" be required attributes of policemen? If not, we are all in a world of hurt. Who can we rely on?

Thank you, King-5, for helping show us where we need to strengthen our city.

I find it disturbing, even frightening, that some respondents to this blog are personally attacking the reporter of this story.

It is appropriate and furthers the discussion when people question findings, the focus of reporting, or reporting style.

Something is very wrong with this community if people feel that is OK to personally attack the reporter. What is causing this type of thinking and behavior?

Susannah,

You reporters need to "get a life" instead of making a big deal out of something that nearly all people with email have done - pass on or receive a tasteless joke. Police officers have a very difficult job and in their work they see the very worst of people so just give them a break, and stop casting stones! The Port of Seattle did a good job in handling their staff.

YouCanDoIt obviously did not read the story or she is egregiously biased toward the same opinion that Susannah holds. What good did Susannah do the community by taking her findings to El Centro de la Raza and Lisa Stone? The only thing that this could do would be to drive a wedge between an already shaken relationship between the the Police and those who support Lisa and El Centro de la Raza. It is one thing to report on obvious folly in the Police community, but it is another thing to try and antagonize sentiments out of communities who hold grudges toward that community or make up of people.

One more thing, I am tired of people, and people in the media especially, trying to portray all police officers, male officers in particular, as ego-centric, megalomaniacal, misogynistic, racist maniacs without truly knowing who these individuals are. There are a few bad seeds out there but those people are clearly in the minority. We need to thank our officers for doing work that the majority of us would not be willing to do to make our communities safer. I think they do way more, on a daily basis, to make our lives better than Susannah could ever do reporting on how to make our lives better.

Reporting of this nature is one of the fundamental "checks and balances" of democracy. Those who have attacked the reporter or network are mistaken and misdirected. The public absolutely needs to know when egregious errors of judgment become commonplace in a department staffed by Police Officers who should be expected to exhibit integrity and a higher ethical standard.

This issue here is not what happens at any other workplace. The issue is the consistent behavior of a high percentage of officers and their supervisors at the Port of Seattle, including the clear and consistent violation of standards signed by every officer. I do not believe terminating officers is a solution; however I would argue for tougher sanctions and retraining, as well as fresh signatures on all letters of reprimand and updated departmental standards and code of ethics documents.

Behavior as described in this report undermines the public’s perception and confidence in law enforcement personnel. Ms. Frame and King 5 are not to blame; the officers, lieutenants, sergeants, and Chief are responsible and the effort to regain public trust must fall on their shoulders as well.

Why don't you guys lay off the personal attacks towards Susannah. She's just doing her job, too. You idiots! I just don't know why so many people can't blog for fun and not hammer someone personally.

Joe

Since when is 30% a high percentage? I would like to know what grades you got if 30% is high. Why can't our posts on this blog be a "check and balance" of how mainstream media reports on issues?

I'm disgusted with the reprimand. It's a good old white boys network that doesn't want to change. Fire all of those involved and then educate the rest with diversity and sensitivity training. That will send a message. This is a systemic, organizational problem that needs more than a "letter of reprimand" and we taxpayers can have a say. Start sending letters, picketing, emailing and phoning to get that done. Thank you, Susannah, for GREAT investigative journalism. That's why I choose KING5 for my TV news. Keep us posted, will you?

Dear Susannah,

Great investigating. Do you know that Jon Schorsch is a disabled blind man who has not worked for the Port since Feb. Way to go! Picking on the blind and disabled.

Thank you, Fair-Minded, for your clear, thoughtful observation that stories such as this one allow us to fix real problems and work toward a better community.

Let's hope the new CEO at the Port will show vision and wisdom as he takes over the helm in the next few months. Perhaps he can steer the Port out of this muck into clearer waters.

Are you kidding me? It realy makes me mad that you are linking a bunch of obviosly illgal allians to this story and lableing the person taking them to an immigration office as a racest. I don't know what his words were but he did more good for this country than your story. Obviously no one that viewed the emails was very offended execpt you, so who's the sexist and racest?

Kudos's to you Susannah!

Just keep digging deeper into the POSPD. You'd be amazed at what goes on there.

Officers having sex on the top floor of the parking garage, an elderly women dragged from her vehicle by an ill tempered officer because she did not comply, sgts having extramarital relations with their subordinates, drug abuse...and it goes on.

It seems that Sgt Schorsch may be a slow learner...how many reprimands for "bad" behavior does it take before he realizes these actions may be wrong!? This seems to make strike number 2...Wasn't number 1 for stalking his girlfriend....wonder what will happen when number 3 comes along???

And what happened to the 38 year old POSPD officer arrested in Tacoma on suspicion of felony harassment and drug possession??? Has he been charged with a crime or put on the rubber gun squad until it all blows over...or better yet maybe he has also receive a reprimand! WOW! Now that will most certainly set a precedence for any POSPD office who may consider a similar action! After all, reprimands worked so well for Sgt Schorsch.

There are a vast number of great police officers. The officers, who behave in a manner that is beneath that higher standard other police officers have no problem in reaching and maintaining, should be removed from the force post haste! Drug use, Harassment, Lewd and lascivious behavior, Stalking - are against the law. correct? Police officers are "Law Enforcement Officers" correct? Explain how a "Law Enforcement Officer" can rightfully enforce a law they are breaking???? How can anyone respect an officer who so blatantly disseminates racism and pornography much less trust such a person. POSPD, it's time to recognize a liability as a liability not an asset...clean your house instead of trying to cover up the stench.

Susannah, please keep probing into matters concerning bad behavior of those who are sworn to protect and serve. I for one appreciate this kind of reporting. Thanks to those Officers who have kept to those higher standards you are to be admired.

Over 30% of the officers have been involved in this limited scope investigation. If reports and blogs are to be believed, this is just the beginning.

Question: How many seargants are on the force of 100+ at POSPD? What percentage do the 10 reprimanded represent of thier rank?

This is a disturbing lack of leadreship and values from an organization that is supposed to provide "integrity, accountablity, and leadership".

You know what Fair-Minded, your personal agenda and attacks are not welcome. If you want a dialogue, then participate in a dialogue without condescending comments.

30% is high by any measure. Let’s do some second grade math. If 30% of the apples in a case were rotten, that’s a high number. Or maybe you might understand this better; if 30% of your Milwaukie’s Best 30 pack was bad (for everyone else, that’s relative), you would be upset. 30% of over 100 officers is a high percentage. Period.

“Mainstream Media”? I assume then if NPR reported on the same issue, the issue would be valid? Or would NPR then be part of the “mainstream media”? You don’t want to discus the issue here, you are simply trying to redirect the blog away from the real issue; the systemic failure of the Port of Seattle Police management and command teams to enforce policy and maintain their impressive mission statement...

Part of that statement is: “Integrity, Accountability and Leadership shall be our guide, we are committed to:”… “Upholding the highest standard of performance, behavior and ethics through our conduct, appearance and demeanor”.

An aside to “Marie”: Mr. Schorsch is blind and disabled due to his own negligence. This has absolutely nothing to do with this investigation and report. It was clearly stated that this investigation stemmed from the initial investigation of Mr. Schorsch’s computer relating to his suspension and subsequent termination from the Port Police for “stalking” an ex-girlfriend. Admirable behavior to defend.

RE: Mr. Wilson's comments about Jon Schorsch and the officer arrested in Tacoma. Schorsch and the other officer are no longer employed by the department. Further, police officers enjoy the same rights and presumption of innocence afforded any citizen charged with a crime. Mr. Wilson apparently would rather be inflamed vs. informed.

Anonymous

The comments about Jon Schorsch and the other officer were made by "Not Surprised" not by Mr. Wilson. By the way, thank you for the information. That is what was being sought. Hence the question, what happened to the POSPD officer arrested in Tacoma.

It still does not change the fact that much still needs to be done about the issues that have plagued the POSPD for too many years. What of the officers caught having sex on duty during the 9/11 situation or, the elderly woman who was ripped from her car and the unchecked extramarital affairs in this department? Shall those simply be ignored.

Anonymous, it seems you would rather ignore vs address less palatable issues.

Again thank you for the information. It may behoove the POSPD to make this information readily available to the public. It may keep those uninformed, inflamed individuals from being just that!

I want king 5 to do a research story on there own computer. I can not control the jokes I get, and i will not control the ones that are funny!I have not forwarded any for along time, we lost our freedom of speach about the time the media decided it was there job to save us all. we see more sex and violence on the news than any tv show and they bring it to us live, during dinner.
I am sorry this is a lame story Ifound it really interesting that the person who brought it to light was to weak to even stand up for themselves and show there face, ya think there might be another side to this NEWS story. give us break.

I am the daughter of a police officer and I've always known there are good cops and bad cops. I will not in any way, shape or form condone the actions of ANYONE who sends or forwards racist, sexist, and sexual or otherwise inappropriate emails and I hope that the Port of Seattle adequately reprimands any officers currently engaged in this practice.

That being said, I think these stories are seriously overblown and (as one other blogger mentioned) not doing any good for the community, the Port Police or the Port of Seattle.

I haven't seen anywhere in these articles the fact that Chief Kimsey is on leave, preparing for retirement. The article makes him seem evasive but I find that very hard to believe and suggest it is more likely that it was selectively omitted to make this story more scandalous.

Additionally, I don't see anything about the email behavior of the officers after they received the letters of reprimand. Corrective action is intended to address and stop problem behavior. If the officers have not violated policy since they received letters then the corrective action worked... I'm not sticking my head in the sand, I know that the actions are indicative of other problems, but I challenge anyone who has ever been a supervisor to tell me a better way to handle this that wouldn't have ended up in court with the officers taking more taxpayer money in a settlement!

Finally, I would also like to see the emails of King5 employees. The media should hold itself to the standards it preaches to the world and if they are willing to do that, they should release the emails of all of their employees for public scrutiny. Additionally, they should release the records of reprimands and corrective action taken in any cases of inappropriate use of email or company computers.

Amazing!! King 5 News and Susannah put so much time and effort into this investigation. What a waste of time. How about recognizing officers like Troy Swanson who was shot last night in Seattle while saving someones life? Why not do an investigation on the piece of garbage convict that shot Officer Swanson,or better yet maybe you can go into harms way just like Officer Swanson did and just like officers of the Port of Seattle and thousands of other officers do each and every day to make this a better place for all. The Port of Seattle concluded it's investigation and reprimanded,time to move ahead.
The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.

I think this is no way should be acceptable and all that were involved should be fired. In order to really change something is to take out the root of the problem so this sends a message that others who may follow woudl suffer the same consequences.

You folks better not be posting on a blog on company time and tax payer expense. We'll be checking in with IT in the morning.

If we're talking "integrity, accountability and leadership", let's talk about Deputy Chief Gale Evans impeccable preformance at Ruby Ridge. Does he have a letter of reprimand in his file ?

I work in the Port and I can tell you from experience that these officers, though they used poor judgment, are some of the best officers in the state. We are all quick to judge everyone in that department but fail to look at just a few bad apples or seeds. For the most part, my experience with these officers has shown me that they are highly professional and respectful in their conduct towards the community. I think we should not judge the lot as a result of the actions of a few.

I have overheard officers stating that the police department focuses on integrity and honesty. From what I have overheard the only reason these officers were not fired is because they told the truth! Did that low-level maintenance employee tell the truth (doubt it) and do criminals usually tell the truth (are you kidding)? Folks, people make mistakes in general, what I commend is that these officers instead of skirting the truth admitted to their wrong doing and received their punishment.

Personally, I would prefer to have a police officer who admits that he/she has done wrong than one that adjusts a situation in order to make them look better. As outrageous and disappointing as this situation is, I truly think we need to move on – realize that this was poor judgment on their behalf, and trust that the police department’s administration has but guards in place to deal with any future incidents.

Reading the blog, I notice that several police officers have made comments. Gee, I bet they too have done something wrong in their careers (let us take a look at their records). EVERYONE has done something at their jobs which would look bad in the public eye at one time or another. Those who live in a glass houses really shouldn’t throw stones.

Disturbed,

Maybe you should get off of your high horse before you preach to me about being condescending. My comments are not welcomed by you, so you may want to say that before you try to speak for everyone on this blog. Your whole rebuttal to my argument was arrogant, condescending and juvenile. What in the world is a "Milwaukie’s Best 30 pack"? I assume that you are referring to some sort of adult beverage and you are making an attempt to try to put me down. For your information I have never drank a beer, but I am sure you can educated me on what you were trying to imply with that statement.
Also, I think NPR is a worthless news agency since it is biased in it's own right and it caters to communist and socialist minded people.
The issue is that a few people acted in a manner unbecoming of their duties, but the bigger issue is that there are people out to villify all Port Police officers in particular, law enforcement in general, and the male component of society by assuming all men do what happened at the Port Police offices. I think that should be a bigger concern then the matter at hand.

I haven't heard that all the officers involved are male and white. Kind of profiling on the media and the publics part.
Did every single email generate from Jon Schorschs computer?
Why was his name the only one mentioned?
The media thrives on drama, they over exagerate every item they possibly can.
Jon was "accused" of stalking, inocent until proven guilty. Is the ex still pursueing that?
Susannah, how about an investigation into the illegal people here, wasteing tax dollars, receiving food stamps, etc.

Get a grip fair-minded…. I am male, an involved “component of society”, and part of “law enforcement in general”. I do not feel, nor have I ever felt “vilified”. No one has accused “all Port Officers” of anything. The accusations have been very specific and limited to the scope of the investigation. In fact, they are not even accusations; they are verified, proven charges.

Yes, I allowed myself to be arrogant and condescending in my last post. I apologize.

Now focus on the core issue. It does not matter what the source of the information is. The facts are that 9 officers, including 1 lieutenant and 4 sergeants, received reprimands for conduct that was in violation of POSPD written standards and code of ethics. They are: Lt. Jon Hornbuckle, 43; Sgt. Pat Addison, 43; Sgt. Jack Myers, 42; Sgt. Brian Drake, 50; Sgt. Daniel Flynn Jr., 37; Detective Matthew Bruch, 32; Randall Chinen, 40; Erik Schmidt, 38; and Anthony Young, 47.

The conduct in question may have (note, this is an allegation) compromised the ability of the officer in question to sufficiently perform their duties. It has been noted that some officers spent hours of their shift engaged in said conduct. That isn’t acceptable.

That is what the report is about. It has nothing to do with “socialist, communist minded” people, vilification, personal vendettas, etc….. You, like everyone here, are entitled to your opinion. This is mine.

Disturbed,

You obviously have not read my other posts near the middle of this blog. My issue is not with the fact that these officers acted in an unbecoming manner. They did, and they should be punished. The point I took issue with is that Susannah took her findings to Roberto Maestas at El Centro de la Raza and Lisa Stone at Northwest Women's Law Center. My question is why would she do such a thing? In my opinion it was to heap coals on a fire that has been smoldering in this community in the past few months and to further drive a wedge between the two. It is a commonly known fact that El Centro de la Raza has ties to the reconquistas of the US southwest who would love nothing more than to have ammunition to use against the people who uphold the rule of law in this nation. We also know that Lisa Stone is an ambulance chaser who would love nothing more than to make men look evil in the eyes of the community. I have no issue with the fact that Susannah reported on this issue, my problem with the story is that she took it to people who had no business knowing.

In response to the individual who thinks that El Centro de la Raza is just for hispanics. Obviously who have never stepped foot into the establishment. Seventy-percent of the individuals that I've seen personally are blacks, asians and whites. Get your facts straight before making such ignorant comments!

Can you imagine if, during the pre-computer slash email era, ALL of your conversations and comments were saved in some "verbal server/data bank"? What if every single comment you EVER uttered, while working on the public's dime, could be retrieved, distributed and analyzed? Would YOU be so quick to cast stones or "heap coals" as a prior blogger stated??? Doubt it. Face it, we'd all be culpable whether we want to admit it or not. Go ahead, tell me you're perfect...

Alex,

I have been their, and I never implied that it was only for hispanics. I also question your implication that 70% of it's patrons are "blacks, asians and whites" as I have seen differently. What I did say was that it uses the cloak of being a protector of minority rights to propigate it's larger message. You, however, cannot deny that it is in support of the reconquista movement of the larger La Raza movement. And what you cannot answer is why Susannah chose to take her finding there? Why not the Seattle chapter of the NAACP or the ACLU? The underweaving intricacies of this story are amazing.

Any other questions about El Centro can be answered by reading the 1998 National Labor Relations Board's own investigation on Roberto Maestas and El Centro. It seems that during this investigation district court officials found that Mr. Maestas was guilty of behind-the-scenes violence, which include assault with a deadly weapon (knife) against his former spouse. Including testimony of several El Centro former employees who accuse him of foul play and mis-behavior. Should he be casting stones?

Thank God for good people like you! Yes … you .. the guy (or gal) who makes courageous comments like “police misconduct”. Are all of you “pillars of morality” upset because you received a ticket last week? Is it because some of you applied to a police department years ago and filed the testing process? Or, are some of you upset because once a Port of Seattle Police Officer told you to move your car at SeaTac Airport when you were too cheap to pay $3.00 for parking and decided to say goodbye to your loved one while the blaring “NO PARKING” recording was playing, and the cop who told you too move had been working for 12 hours, and wants to make sure no one illegally parks too long in front of the largest air port in the Northwest because of little things like vehicle bombs threats, and the safe movement of traffic? Yep …. You fine Americans have it all figured out don’t you? Lets not look at the hundred of good contacts a police officer makes every day, like recovering your stolen vehicle at the risk of his/her life, or finding your child who wandered off while you were too busy on a cell phone call. Police misconduct is wrong, and needs to be rooted out by discipline, and training. However, you should be cautious when using such a strong terms like “Police Misconduct”. Take note bogglers, King 5 News, and the Seattle P.I.: Let’s not be so quick to judge those who protect us while we sleep. Before you throw the Port Police (or any police officers) to the lions, ask yourself, “What have I done in the last 24 hours that I would not want my family to know about?” Did you look at porn at the office? Make a long distance call on your work phone that was not business related? Take a cup of coffee from the community pot at work and not put your 50 cents in the jar because no one was looking? Police officers are, and should be, held to a higher standard, but not at the cost of their sense of humor. How about some of you spend a night seeing what our police officer see EVERYDAY before you pass judgment …… parents abusing their kids, horrific and bloody traffic accidents, death, pain … and oh yes … people are trying to kill you and you can’t tell who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. One more thing……The people you try to help complain to your boss because you were “rude” when you told them to not do 60 miles per hour in a 45. Yep, I bet you saw all of that in your office. And, after all of this tough stuff you endured as a police officer, you find a joke, or a picture of a “hot chick” and send to your comrade in the hopes it will make them smile with no malicious intent. And there is the difference ….. Police misconduct is just that … malicious behavior … false arrests, excessive force, perjury, NOT SENDING E-MAILS OF DIRTY JOKES AND NAKED WEMON! If this is the worst that you can find with the Port of Seattle Police … then they are doing pretty good. So, the next time I am on the Seattle waterfront and I am being mugged or rapped or assaulted I’ll be looking for you fine “bogglers”, or investigative reporters to come save me, not a Port of Seattle Police Officer …… Nope, it’s not like they have saved people in downtown Seattle before, or at least you wouldn’t know it by reading the Seattle P.I. or watching King 5 News. Maybe they can do a news segment on that ……. Because the Port Police have helped more people and saved mores lives than all of the “inappropriate” e-mails that were sent in this incident. That is a fact! I hope all of you sleep well tonight… but if you hear anyone in your backyard, or breaking into your car, don’t call 9-1-1. The cops might be too busy sending picture of girls via the internet. Instead call King 5 News…. I’m sure they will send a brave armed reporter to your house at 3:00 AM to make sure you and your family are okay! Better yet, why don’t you go out there yourself. I’m sure the bad guy will leave if you just ask him nicely.

I just saw the story about Hulling Bros. Auto Sale stealing from a man with dimentia, he was covered in his own feeces, wearing dirty sweats, not aware of what he was doing. Sold him a 30,000.00+ truck (cash) then when the man forgot where he left his truck, the "salespeople" who sold him the truck drove him home and took 40,000.00+ (cash) more of his money. When the man reported it to the police he was sent to Harborview where the salesperson showed up and had the man sign his truck over to him. I see 100,000.00 taken from this poor man. NOW THAT IS SOMETHING KING might want to bring to the surface, but it doesn't involve "public employees or porn" so it's no big deal.

Why is it that King5 decided to air this story 9 months after it had already been handled by the Port police admin? Are you guys really that desperate for some decent news? It happened, it was handled, and now its done with so lets move on. The fact of the matter is that what was done by these officers was against policy ... period. I'd be willing to bet that EVERY blogger here, at one time or another, has violated one of their company's policies ... and probably on more than one occassion. Why should your violation be considered any less serious than the violation these officers committed? Is it still not a violation of policy? Another question ... since when did pornography become illegal? For some, it is immoral ... I understand, however, nothing that I've heard up to this point that any of these officers did can be considered a crime. So, if its morality we're talking about here, then whose morals are we going by?? I've seen pictures in a Cosmopolitan magazine just as bad as some of those these officers were viewing. Why is it those pictures are not considered immoral, or at least inappropriate for the workplace? Hey Susannah, what magazines do you have laying around the King5 newsroom?? Care to lay out all those risque ads for the public to see and let them judge what is and isn't appropriate? It's nearly impossible anymore to get on the internet and not see some kind of porn-related advertisement come across the screen. I could understand making such a big deal of all this (9 months after the fact) had these officers done something illegal, but they didn't ... and what you might consider immoral, others might not! So who's right? People need to get off their high horses and take a good look in the mirror before they start pointing fingers, because I'd be willing to put money on the fact that the majority of the bloggers bashing the Port officers have some dirty laundry of their own that they probably would not want aired ... oh wait, I take that back ... I won't put money on anything, cause gambling (although legal) might be against someone's morals.

(It is a commonly known fact that El Centro de la Raza has ties to the reconquistas of the US southwest who would love nothing more than to have ammunition to use against the people who uphold the rule of law in this nation.)

What about that King 5? Don't you love it how KING 5 is the willing and open supporter of illegals in this country?

Boy, can you see the venom being spewed when it comes to Police Officers. It's not just the Port Police these negative comments involve. The police haters come out in droves when there is a scandal. Why is this, I wonder. Most of the time it's because they've had a negative contact (Ticket, arrest, or just told they can't do Something when they just KNOW THER constitutional rights have been violated) with a police officer. Now it's their time to vent and spew their venom.

I don't believe it serves any purpose to attack Ms.(am I politically correct or a loose canon that needs reeling in) Frame. She did her job as her editors/assignment desk asked her to do. Did she do it THOROUGHLY.....probably not. Channel 5 probably got information that the PI was "investigating" the same case and wanted to beat them to the "breaking news". This is common in journalism. In trying to beat the competion they probably left some loose ends untied. Did you see how the PI had more detailed information?

I cannot condone or explain the actions of the Port Police personnel involved. It is wrong and needs to be corrected. No one doubts that. Many are jumping on the bandwagon of how much these officers (sergeants and lieutenants included) are women exploiters (feminist side - Lisa Stone) and racists ((El Centro De LaRaza - Roberto Maestas). I personnally thought this served no particular purpose taking the investigation to an obviously biased outside source. In my opinion it only tended to inflame the situation. What answer did you expect from them? Has anyone thought that some of those officers are also minorities. How can you assume all of these people are caucasian. We all know that only white people can be racists and women haters/exploiters, right? If they are not all white what can you label those that are non white?? Hating their own race? I dont think so. Just some food for thought.

I am just about fed up with the bigotry our society has condemning some actions/voices and our (yes I'm caucasian) race(s) when we can freely watch it on Carlos Mencia, Eddy Murphy, Chris Rock and all the rest of the "commedians" that freely use the N word and derogatorily talk about the black race as well as other races. But I guess that is artistic talent that is protected. See it, but don't you dare breathe a word of it. It is our freedoms of press that allows these raunchy videos, women and men of all races to exploit their right to show themselves in just about any type of sex act, beastiality, hetrosexual, homosexual, lesbian etc. etc. You can find ANY thing on the net. Snuff films, the hanging of Sadam, young girls, young boys. There is just NO limit. My point is that employers recognize that "stuff" it is readily available out there on the net. They also recognize that the net is a very useful tool for police investigations. All they ask of their employees (in the form of a department policy) is not to abuse the privilege to use the net. These police personnel did violate that. Should we quarter them and "hang'em high"? In my opinion..no. Did the Port of Seattle Police Department management do something to stop the abuse. Yes. Did they take corrective action? Yes. Anymore punishment for these people is not necessary and would NOT serve any useful purpose. There is NO doubt in my mind that NONE of these employees as well as the other 2/3 will send anything over the company internet/email/public net. Isn't that the purpose of discipline...to discourage bad or poor behavior in hopes it leads to better behavior and a better person?. If I'm wrong....I know you'll let me know.

If this report is so trivial, WHY are you all responding with such venom?!? Obviously, it struck a nerve because you are all so quick to attack one another. Race card?!? If it looks like a duck, it's a freakin duck! Apparently you did not read the whole story LORI...obviously there was something in this story having to do with racism or it wouldn't have been brought up. Why is it that people automatically ASSUME that it's not about race? Until you have experienced racism LORI, which you obviously have not, don't complain when someone else brings it up and don't use the "ol race card" excuse to skirt the issue. I am as protestant anglo saxon as you can get...but, I know racism when I see it and I see it every day! Like I say, until you've walked a mile...

My brother by the way is a New Jersey State Trooper and the NJ State police was brought up on racism charges a few years ago. It's VERY common in our law enforcement. They may not be the majority, but they are there.

One last thought, all of the sensitivity training and handslapping in the world does not make a better person. The person has to want to change his/her behavior. They tried that on a guy in Alabama/Arkansas at some shipyard and he ended up walking into the sensitivity training and shooting at everyone. Go figure.

You all want to throw rocks from glass houses? Please step forward, sign the search warrant to allow all these Police Detectives to access your work and personal computers to search at will and see if anyone out there, has anything at all that can be deemed inappropriate or offensive to any person or organization in the world we live in! If you are all so righteous and have nothing to hide then open up your doors and let big brother and the media in!!! Embrace your righteousness!!!! You know damn well the outcome of that investigation. Women and other races have their inappropriate jokes out there on the net. Deosn't mean that defines their beliefs just by receiving or finding humor, watch many of the different race commedians on television that have free reign to laugh at pretty much anything. Last I checked we have a Constitution that allows 1st Amendment Rights. Next, we implant microchips in your head just in case you are not thinking appropriate! Get real, look in the mirror!

Joe

C'mon, if everyone were to be honest, they would at least admit to themselves that they have not only received, but laughed at a joke that would (in these days) be considered racial. Let's take a look into King 5's employees computers--or the Seattle PI for that matter. These guys get their 2--15 minute breaks and 1/2 hour lunches just like the rest of you.
Yes, there are probably 2 main serious offenders who should and have been punished enough. (if you call termination and blind for life punishment).
But the rest are just like you yahoos!
Get off your self-righteous horse and take a good look in the mirror. And drop the drama for GOd's sake!

Okay, how much of this is POLITICAL? Which Union does the Port police belong and are the commissioners trying to get rid of that Union?

The reason for my questions is this, the Port Commissioners knew about the level of racism and misconduct of over half their dysfunctional staff for years. Racist comments, and racist behavior by upper level managers, along with a defunct human resources department who quashed this information when they received it years ago makes for a bad combination.

These police officers are simply scapegoats. The commissioners had to find a way to address the many problems plaguing that organization, from racist comments made by the CEO, Airport Director, Airfield General Manager, Legal Counsel and sex taking place in the office of the Maintenance Manager etc., etc. Finally, with the help of a few reckless officers, they have someone to blame.

But will the commissioners address issues that will bring the Port back to the level of respect they had before Portwatch was “bought” out? Does the city need to consider establishing another group, which has the same functions as Portwatch? Will the commissioners squabble about this idea or embrace it as a way of giving the citizens a role in an organization that was established for them in the first place?

How many public dollars have gone into settling lawsuits in regards to these issues, considering none of this is new? How many times have we seen Port vehicles at Safeway, SouthCenter and other places where there is no operational need? How many accidents have taken place in Port vehicles and on the airfield involving aircraft that has gone unreported, because management has covered it up? What other bones lie covered in dust down in the bowels of the many Port storage areas? Why did the commissioners decide to only pull out and dust off the ones in the Police department? Political?

Okay, how much of this is POLITICAL? Which Union does the Port police belong and are the commissioners trying to get rid of that Union?

The reason for my questions is this, the Port Commissioners knew about the level of racism and misconduct of over half their dysfunctional staff for years. Racist comments, and racist behavior by upper level managers, along with a defunct human resources department who quashed this information when they received it years ago makes for a bad combination.

These police officers are simply scapegoats. The commissioners had to find a way to address the many problems plaguing that organization, from racist comments made by the CEO, Airport Director, Airfield General Manager, Legal Counsel and sex taking place in the office of the Maintenance Manager etc., etc. Finally, with the help of a few reckless officers, they have someone to blame.

But will the commissioners address issues that will bring the Port back to the level of respect they had before Portwatch was “bought” out? Does the city need to consider establishing another group, which has the same functions as Portwatch? Will the commissioners squabble about this idea or embrace it as a way of giving the citizens a role in an organization that was established for them in the first place?

How many public dollars have gone into settling lawsuits in regards to these issues, considering none of this is new? How many times have we seen Port vehicles at Safeway, SouthCenter and other places where there is no operational need? How many accidents have taken place in Port vehicles and on the airfield involving aircraft that has gone unreported, because management has covered it up? What other bones lie covered in dust down in the bowels of the many Port storage areas? Why did the commissioners decide to only pull out and dust off the ones in the Police department? Political?

Joe,
Just because "everyone" laughs at a racial joke now and again (I don;t think any of them are funny) does not make it right or justified. I have no problem with people who go onto the internet at work even if they are working for the government. As long as it does not interfere with the job or keep them from doing their job, no money has been wasted. It wasn't the internet surfing people were upset about, it was the content of the material they were looking at. People like to believe that racism is not a problem, but it still is. While in most cases, it is not nearly as blatant as it used to be, it is not that much better. What makes us think that people don't say what they really think and act on those feelings behind closed doors? We don't need racists in this society...much less, racists in law inforcement. THEY are the people that make it bad for everyone else. Needless to say, they need to be accountable for their behavior...and those above them need to make them accountable!

I apologize for using this forum to vent about the Port, but I have a few more questions, please bear with me.

How did Mic Dinsmore, a person with only a high school education and a few honorary degrees, which was obtained after he became CEO get a position that pays more than any Port CEO on the planet?

Does anyone think this may have attributed to the level of professionalism in that organization?

Why haven't more employees from the Port written comments or made reports to the various media sources in the city? Maybe they have and maybe those sources simply neglected to follow through with an investigation. If this is the case, then why did Susannah Frame cover this story on the level she has? Did the commissioners okay this story to be brought forward and the many other complaints from many other employees to be rejected?

What about the lives that has been compromised because pilots have mistaken a taxiway on the airfield as a runway? How many times has aircraft landed on the wrong surface and why haven't the public (especially the passengers) been notified when these incidents occurred?

How about the females who are required to train their male counterpart for positions they have been passed over for? How about the threats from upper level managers to employees who complain about race issues and ill treatment because of the color of their skin? Is this the reason why we haven’t heard from more Port employees? Or, maybe the majority of them is operating from an educational standpoint as the CEO (high school diploma) and can’t structure a sentence, let alone form a question. It is true that a “C average” interviewer usually hire “C average” and below applicants. This would certainly explain a lot.

How about the golfer who was nearly shot by pyrotechnics by a Port employee, while playing a round of golf at Tyee? Did the Port hide that and how much did they pay to hide it? Or, the incompetent manager who failed to have a parked aircraft moved, when it was reported that the aircraft should not be in the area, and a fully loaded taxiing aircraft struck the parked aircraft. Did the Port hide that, and how much did they pay to hide it?

How does the commissioners know and are not telling about the level of racism, sexism and incompetence? How much does Mic Dinsmore know considering, in 1995 during a heated discussion at the Pilipino Community Center about high level of racism, especially from the Police department and throughout the Port, many employees gave examples first hand experience of these problems? Mic responded, with a select few, “If it is so bad here, then why don’t they leave?” Is this what the city should expect from the States highest paid public employee? Or, is this acceptable from a person who leads an organization such as the Port of Seattle with a high school diploma?

Are we all ready to move on now? There are more important issues in the world than to keep reporting on this!! Jon is disabled and hasn't worked for the department since last February. Just let him live in peace now.

leave the cops alone. crikey. slow new day there King?? you want blood for this. get a life. boys will be boys, and police need a break. we are so dam PC that we freak over stupid stuff. leave them alone. go find a child molester or something.

hmmm...boys will be boys...like that's an excuse for anything (they're adult men, hopefully with brains, not boys). So...how about these guys use their home computers and their personal time...AT HOME... to pass around whatever they would like..

there...problem solved :)

I have a subject most police would love to discuss...OJ.

Why aren't we adult enough to discuss a topic concerning all of us. Imagine your child taking a beating like the one Rodney King took, you'd certainly want to discuss that now wouldn't you?

We need to scrutinize the Port of Seattle before lives are lost due to dicisions made by their group of incompetent, racist and misguided staff.

I agree that the punishment for pornographic was very light weight, but consistent with the many Human Resource departments that I have delt with. After all, Human Resource departments are part of the business they are attached to. Employees do not receive the benefits of the law when Human Resource departments are asked to intervene by an employee.

Personal experience is my proof. When belittled by a lead, I went to HR, made an appointment and they did not show up. Later I was fired for poor customer service, I did fail to offer a customer who had to wait his turn a book to look at, I did offer him a chair to sit in, and he chose to go look around while I finished with the other customer’s needs. The person doing the belittling knows the products but I was not the first to be treated so by this person. Guess who still works there.

I was fired for going over the management when I heard the Assistant Manager saying he was not going to hire any more of those people who wanted Sunday off. Of course this was the second time I had gone to HR for help. The same Assistant Manager had taken me to a non-populated area of the store, asked me to price an item, which I did then said in a snarrly tone and manner, “Well, I can’t fire you for doing that.” I was instantly in fright for my job. This person allows others to practice unsafe actions which he does himself. Guess what, he is still working there. At the store, there is another lady who will not say any thing for fear of loosing her job, but she regularly gets the same kind of treatment by the same person.

Don’t take your problems to HR or expect them to act in the interest of the employee, little own the laws of EEOC. They are working for the company.

With this the norm for the corporate world, I’m not surprised that the punishment was slack.

Maybe all backyards should be checked first. Instead of King5 News having letters of reprimand sent, check your own employees emails and see their contents. I am sure you have some guilty people. Better yet, have all businesses check all employees emails and not just single out government employees. They are not the only paychecks that are taxpayer supplied. Check ALL State employees and such.

I find it interesting that posts are MIA on a certain blog regarding this story and you can no post an opinion but they can post an officer's picture and a part of his internal investigation file that is slanted at best. I guess King 5 is not interested in the whole truth. I feel like I am reading the National Inquirer. Shame on you!