The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board bowed to political correctness late last week when it’s board chair and director abruptly cancelled training that was to be held next week involving former Brooklyn Center Police Officer Kim Potter.
Potter shot and killed Daunte Wright in 2021 after mistaking her service handgun for a Taser. She was prosecuted and convicted for her actions and spent 16 months in prison.
The former prosecutor who originally filed manslaughter charges against Potter, Imran Ali, came up with the idea to team with Potter and present use of force training to law enforcement, using Potter’s experience to help others avoid a similar tragedy.
The training was entitled “Remorse to Redemption: Lessons Learned,” and offered attendees the unique opportunity to learn from the mistake of another officer. Potter was set to volunteer her time to assist in the training.
The Seattle Times made an inquiry of the training to the Board last week, prompting the abrupt dismissal. The Board made a statement that the training was being canceled “out of respect” to Wright’s family. However, Wright’s mother was not aware of the training or the cancellation until being notified after the fact.
The decision will prevent Washington officers from learning valuable lessons directly from Potter. The decision also denies Potter the important opportunity to redeem herself and help others avoid the same mistake. The decision is a short sighted one that does little to respect the circumstances of Wright’s death.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office ended up leading the prosecution of Potter, agrees. In an interview with the Seattle Times, Ellison stated,
“We can do better only when people who’ve gone through very difficult experiences like Kim Potter are willing to talk honestly and openly. Preventing these sorts of catastrophic accidents is very important and I’m glad Kim Potter is trying to do that.”
Training from officers who have had firsthand experience in critical incidents is extremely valuable. Law enforcement groups should avoid the inclination to avoid training involving Potter or others with similar backgrounds. To do so only strips the group of a unique and valuable training opportunity, making it less likely tragic accidents, like that involving Daunte Wright, are prevented.