“I don’t think anyone among all of our police professionals objects to people being held accountable,” Davis said. Indeed, the central question posed by the unit’s sudden disbandment is whether Portland police officers will continue to confront demonstrators if they know they risk indictment for their use of force on the protest line.ĭuring Thursday’s press conference, Acting Chief Davis described accountability as “a cornerstone of our profession,” adding that it is important for PPB employees to be afforded due processes provided under the law and the bureau’s collective bargaining agreement with the city. “I remain deeply concerned these RRT resignations are yet another example of a rogue paramilitary organization that is unaccountable to the elected officials and residents of Portland.” “When will PPB recognize this overwhelming desire for change and align their values with the people of Portland?” Hardesty said. Hardesty went on to describe the RRT members as “staging their own protest” through their resignations, which she said occurred “the moment there is a possibility for accountability for inappropriate and potentially illegal conduct.” “The good old boy network is crumbling and we can either be a part of the change or part of the status quo-but the arc of justice is bending quickly and it’s imperative that the Portland City Council lands on the right side of history.” “We should formally disband the RRT, but through council action,” Hardesty said in a statement Thursday.

Davis added that he’s directed the Police Bureau to stand up an Incident Command Team at least for Thursday night, and potentially through the remainder of the weekend.Ĭommissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, a longtime advocate of police reform in Portland, called the RRT resignations “an opportunity to commit change.”

Liberal crime squad 2018