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Officers under investigation after fight at Seahawks game

SEATTLE — Two law enforcement officers are under investigation after they were caught on video fighting outside a Seahawks game.

A source inside the Department of Corrections identified the two men as Lt. Jerry Long and Officer Rodney Hopf.

The corrections officers, who were off-duty at the time of the fight, are both members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) at the Monroe Correctional Complex.

ERT members are "specifically trained for deployment in high-security situations and serve primarily as 'disturbance control specialists,'" Department of Corrections spokesperson Chad Lewis said. "They respond to everything from small fights to large fights and escapes."

According to Lewis, ERT members are held to a higher standard of conduct, even when they are off duty. The two officers are still on the job, but they have been suspended from the ERT while the DOC investigates if they violated any policies.

The video of the fight has disturbed some Seahawks fans who say hooliganism is a problem at Seahawks games.

"The security of the fans is not good," season ticket holder Joe McDaniel said. "I bring my children to the preseason games, but I will not bring my children to a regular season game."

A representative from the Seahawks said that the organization has taken additional steps this season to cut down on "behavior that may negatively affect the Seahawks game day experience." Here is their statement, in full:


• We have 50 Hawk's Eye fan experience teams who are trained to proactively identify and remove the few fans that attempt to spoil game day for others. The Hawk's Eye fan experience teams can be found throughout the stadium in bright green jackets or polo shirts. These teams are also trained to assist with all guest service needs. We have also stationed additional event staff in every aisle in the upper level and added roving security teams throughout the lower bowl and club level. 
• We have implemented a wide-ranging education campaign around the game day fan code of conduct. The Seahawks fan code of conduct is communicated to tickets holders throughout the season and on game-day including: signage at all gates, in-game announcements and video board support. To review the fan code of conduct, http://www.seahawks.com/gameday/fan-code-of-conduct.html 
• As part of an NFL initiative, the Seahawks will require fans that are ejected from the stadium for disruptive or violent behavior to take a four-hour online course before they are permitted to come back into the facility. The cost of the course to Seahawks fans will be $75. 
• We have continued to maintain the alcohol-free family section which is located in section 100. 
• Fans are encouraged to report any inappropriate activity that is disrupting their enjoyment of the game via text-message at HAWK12 (429512). Fans can also seek help by contacting a security or a guest service representative located throughout the stadium.