SEATTLE — Seattle’s new interim police chief has apologized for participating in a 1986 video that shows a group of city police mocking homeless people.
The Seattle Times reported the video shows the officers dressed as homeless people under a viaduct. Set to the tune of “Under The Boardwalk,” it shows the “homeless” drinking, breaking into cars and being rousted by police.
Interim Chief Jim Pugel appears as a wine-drinking homeless man. Seattle police are releasing the video.
In a written apology, Pugel said that “Even by 1980s standards, the Seattle Police Department considered this video to be insensitive and inappropriate.” He said he and the other participants were reprimanded by then-Chief Patrick Fitzsimons.
The officer said he regrets his participation, adding, “I am truly sorry.”
The 30-year department veteran was appointed interim chief recently by Mayor Mike McGinn after Chief John Diaz announced he planned to retire. Pugel says he mentioned the video when the mayor asked whether any problems might crop up.
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Information from The Seattle Times
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com
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