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S POK ANE P O LIC E DEPAR TM EN T

CHIEF OF POLICE
CRAIG N. MEIDL

March 11, 2022

Superintendent Adam Swinyard


Spokane Public Schools
200 N Bernard St
Spokane, WA 99201

RE: Mandatory Reporting Requirement for Spokane Public Schools Employees

Dear Superintendent Swinyard

It has been brought to my attention that numerous incidents falling under RCW 26.44.030 (“Duty to
Report”) have occurred on Spokane Public Schools’ property without the mandatory notification or reports
being filed with the Spokane Police Department. After learning of these incidents, and reviewing dozens
of police reports, it appears there is a pattern of assaults and threats occurring to students and staff that
are not following reporting requirements as described in RCW 26.44.040.

All professional school personnel are categorized as mandatory reporters (RCW 74.34.020) and are
required by law to report incidents outlined in RCW 74.34.035 that fall within circumstances prescribed by
what is commonly referred to as mandatory reporting requirements.

The safety of our children is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, community concern society holds.
These laws do not have carve outs or exceptions for philosophies that may be contrary to the clearly
stated statutes. RCW 26.44.080 states, “Every person who is required to make, or to cause to be made, a
report pursuant to RCW 26.44.030 and 26.44.040, and who knowingly fails to make, or fails to cause to be
made, such report, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.”

The Spokane Police Department stands ready to work with Spokane Public Schools collaboratively to
ensure we are following all laws and creating the safest school system and learning environment possible.
Going forward it is the expectation that the District and its employees will follow the requirements for
reporting as outlined in RCW 26.44.040.

I look forward to further discussions as to how we can help ensure Spokane Public School staff are
following these mandatory statutes and creating the safest learning environment possible.

Respectfully,

Craig Meidl
Chief of Police

Public Safety Building • 1100 W. Mallon Avenue • Spokane, Washington 99260-0001

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