In January, after considering a litany of incidents involving use of force by police officers that were consistently going unaddressed by the Police Bureau leadership, Commissioner Leonard announced that his New Year's Resolution was to strengthen the City's police oversight function.
As reported by Maxine Bernstein of the Oregonian, after nearly two and a half months working closely with Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade, the Commissioner and the Auditor have produced a jointly authored ordinance that gives the City's Office of Independent Police Review (IPR) the authority it needs to provide thorough and effectual oversight of the police.
The comprehensive overhaul includes a number of important changes, including expanded authority for the IPR Director to initiate investigations into police misconduct, subpoena witnesses, review investigative findings, compel reviews of police misconduct cases, and recommend disciplinary action to the Chief and Commissioner in Charge. Additionally, the Police Review Board is formally created in City code, and its decisions will be released to the public, among a host of other changes.
"These changes lay the groundwork for the IPR to become one of the most effective police oversight systems in the country," said Commissioner Leonard, "We are about to enter a long-awaited era of police accountability in Portland."
The Portland City Council will consider these changes on Thursday, March 18, 2010 beginning at 2:00 PM.
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For the complete package of proposed changes, click here.
The Auditor's press release announcing the IPR reforms.
Randy's New Year's Resolution announcement and list of examples illustrating the need for stronger police oversight.
The Oregonian's Maxine Bernstein provides comprehensive coverage of the proposed ordinance.
Posted by: TK