Involve Washington judges in bail decisions

MEMORIALS come in all forms. Honor the memory of four Lakewood police officers gunned down last November with a hard look at Washington's bail practices and procedures.

Times reporter Christine Willmsen last Sunday explained the lethal consequences of a lightly regulated bail industry that released Maurice Clemmons from the Pierce County Jail.

Clemmons, who had an extensive and violent criminal history, was arrested and charged with four felonies. He was able to cajole family members into essentially cutting deals with bail companies to get back on the street, with murderous intent.

The state Legislature last session took remedial steps to involve judges in bail decisions for the worst crimes, and for cases where a criminal history suggests the public might be at risk.

In November, voters will see a constitutional amendment that revises current language that makes all crimes bailable except capital offenses. A new, tighter standard would consider all Class A felonies, especially those that create a "third strike" with a potential for life in prison, and "second strikes" for sex offenses.

The Legislature also created a working group to study bail issues and industry reforms. The 26-member panel convened this month and will meet three more times before it submits a report to Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Washington's bail procedures, and broader issues of pretrial release and detention, need an infusion of judicial review and discretion, where questions are asked and criminal records are put in a public-safety context.

The Lakewood tragedy exposed bail procedures that ignore public safety.