Finishing what we start — WSUPD

The Daily Evergreen at WSU – where I once worked as a reporter, section editor, editor in chief, blah, blah — has a story today that the WSU Police chief has been replaced after a year of searching.

This makes me smile for a number of reasons.

Last year, I led a special investigation into several alleged ethics violations within the police department. It was fairly thorough and well received. But now things have come full circle.

– The recent news shows that the system works. The chief, while a good man, made a mistake and was held accountable.

– The student newspaper diligently reported the news and, more importantly, followed up on the longer, boring process of finding a replacement.

– The university also followed through, fulfilling its promise to replace the chief instead of just waiting until everyone forgot about the situation.

I have Hope again. It was a long ordeal, but I believe the university police department can now move forward with brighter goals and a new dedication to serving the students.

Thanks to everyone who worked hard on this — Nick, Victor, Lisa, Brian, Anne, Christina and others. Well done.