Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire is asking police, prosecutors and judges to review the Maurice Clemmons case.

She wants them to report back by the end of the year on what lessons have been learned.

Clemmons is the man police say gunned down four Lakewood police officers having coffee last month. Austin Jenkins reports.

In a letter this week to law enforcement and judicial leaders, Gregoire says the state owes the slain officers and their loved ones "a thoughtful review and response, which will continue to improve our public safety system."

On TVW's "Inside Olympia," Secretary of Corrections Eldon Vail said he received one of the six letters.

Eldon Vail: "Asking each of us to take a look inside our agency for what happened in this case and be focused on changes in practice, changes in policy, potential changes in statute or even the constitution."

There's already talk of amending the state constitution to withhold bail for offenders like Maurice Clemmons facing a third strike conviction.

Washington's constitution currently guarantees bail will be set except in capital murder cases.

Governor Gregoire is calling for a December 30th criminal justice meeting to discuss ideas and gather consensus. Then findings and recommendations by January 8th, in time to present to the legislature as it convenes for the 2010 session.