The streets of Portland have long been echoing with the clamor for police reform, and a recent report might just add volume to those calls. The city's Independent Police Review (IPR) released a thorough external examination of ten police-involved shootings and critical incidents, detailing events between 2019 and 2022. The report was carried out by the Office of Independent Review Group (OIR Group), a team of external experts who dug deep into the Portland Police Bureau's past actions. Having full access to criminal and administrative investigations, as well as training materials, the OIR Group was also engaged in dialogue with Portland Police members, the IPR staff, and local community residents, according to a statement released by the City of Portland.
Highlighted in the report are seven key recommendations that aim to improve accountability, training, and officers' decision-making processes. They suggest that every officer-involved shooting should prompt an explicit review of pre-shooting tactics, ensuring these are in line with current training and policies. Additionally, in an effort to handle cases where a subject may be seeking self-harm through police intervention, dispatchers could benefit from a new training bulletin. This was proposed with the insight that they should be equipped to convey critical information more effectively to officers, gathered during the rigorous review process.
The OIR Group, in its ninth report for Portland, has over the years reviewed 75 critical incidents involving the Police Bureau. Their wisdom stems from their experience in the field, and their recommendations, if implemented, could pave the way towards a Police Bureau where the culture and practices are more reflective of the public's demand for justice and good governance. Portland's City Council will be briefed on the findings at an upcoming work session on January 28 at 2:00 p.m. and at a City Council meeting the following day at 2:30 p.m. according to the IPR's website. Public testimony is not only accepted but also encouraged during this City Council meeting.
For those who cannot make it in person, options are available to attend virtually or watch online. The Citizen Review Committee, aiming to keep the conversation accessible, is hosting a Zoom meeting also on January 28 at 6:00 p.m., where the OIR Group will answer questions regarding their report. This allows for a wide array of citizens to engage, those who perhaps could not have made the commitment to attend otherwise. Accommodations for the meetings can be requested through the city's 3-1-1 program by calling (503) 823-4000 or via the online request form — though it's best to make these requests at least five business days in advance when possible.
