The panel would use information being collected by the Department of Social and Health Services ombudsman. This body should not report to the state. Despite Gov. Gary Locke's integrity, Washington state is a defendant in civil suits filed by those who think their civil rights were violated. And it is imperative that Washington citizens believe that the commission has no stake in the results. A federal judge or similarly experienced, disinterested individual might be recruited to lead this worthy work.
People are in jail, and the public needs to know whether that is right.