Portland Police Bureau Officer Natasha Haunsperger has been recognized with the Champion of Change award at the 2025 IRCO Gala. On Thursday, Officer Haunsperger was honored for her impactful work within the immigrant and refugee communities in Portland, earning accolades for her dedication to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and these vital populations. With nineteen years on the force, Haunsperger's contributions have notably been channeled through a uniquely tailored police program that she created for this purpose. The program's aim is to bridge the gap between police officers and the newly arrived members of the community, easing their adaptation process through support and cultural awareness.
Haunsperger's commitment to this cause is reflected in her role in the Portland Police Bureau's Office of Community Engagement. There, she's charged with the daunting task to fully engage with complex issues that notably concern immigrant and refugee communities. As detailed by Portland's official government website, this presidentially acclaimed officer seeks to build trust—a foundation upon which a flourishing city could just maybe, begin to erect a shared vision of safety and camaraderie.
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), which has been supporting immigrant and refugee communities for nearly half a century in Oregon, offers its Champion of Change award to individuals whose work has made significant strides in community support and integration. IRCO maintains several access sites across the state, reflecting its expansive reach and dedication to serving this diverse demographic. Natasha Haunsperger's approach, characterized by her proactive initiatives and community-focused policing, resonates deeply with IRCO's mission.
In addition to her duties as an officer, Haunsperger is also deeply involved in academic and policy circles. She's a LEADS Scholar at the National Institute of Justice, focusing on evidence-based research to hopefully push forward modern policing practices and policies. And her role as a Commissioner with the America 2026 Oregon Commission is a testament to her belief that at every possible instance, women should be actively elevated to higher positions of influence. This belief underpins her work and the profound respect she has garnered from peers and the community alike.
