Per a Seattle Times story from Oct. 25, Tukwila’s police commander questioned why any police department could hire Officer Nicholas Hogan after facts contained in his personnel file were known.

Now, he’s working for Snoqualmie’s police department.

This officer has a history of violence against civilians, has a connection to a violent anti-drug movement Straight Edge, has collected “trophy” police reports describing his excessive force. These are all from his file and from court records.

There is no reason why he should have been hired by the city of Snoqualmie.

He is on paid leave as Snoqualmie investigates his most recent actions. I’m asking for three things:

• A civilian review board to review the actions of police officers in North Bend.

• A voice in the hiring and overseeing police operations for North Bend.

• A veto over the officers selected to patrol North Bend.

If you are a resident of Snoqualmie, I urge you to contact your mayor, your city council, and your police department to enquire as to the hiring standards of your city, and I urge you to set up a civilian review board over your police department.

Don’t wait until you’re liable for a financial settlement against the city due to the actions of your police officers.

Stephen Matlock

North Bend