History

The Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) was formed in the spring of 2000 by then Sheriff Mark Sterk. The CAB was originally formed as a sounding board for changes in policy and procedures, new equipment education, and provided information on several major cases to give feedback.

Additional research shows the CAB has evolved and performed many functions for the Sheriff over the years. They have reviewed several policies such as the vascular neck restraint and the employee involved domestic violence policy, to name a few. They have reviewed cases such as the Robert Yates serial killer investigation and made some findings relative to the sufficiency of that investigation. They have also since reviewed several other officer involved shootings, including that of Scott Creach. They have rendered findings, from a citizens standpoint, as to the transparency and quality of the imposed investigations.

Accountability & Transparency


Sheriff Knezovich has also used the CAB as a sounding board for whether or not his discipline is in line with community expectations. Transparency and accountability are key factors in each of these determinations.

Recent events have led the CAB to develop Bylaws for their organization to guide them toward the future. They will act as an appellate review board in addition to giving the citizens of Spokane County the ability to complain directly through them reviewing any number of events or scenarios.

Their motto invokes their sense of Community Involvement, Transparency, and Accountability. They look at themselves as advocates for the people and are “Proud to Serve!”