Police
Book Review: Policing the Open Road
The idea that cars = freedom is a pervasive American myth. The truth is that the rise of the automobile — and rampant illegal behaviors that have always accompanied it — helped give rise to an armed street security force that too often acts as judge, jury, and executioner. Sarah Seo’s book, Policing the Open … Read more
Bill would allow non-police agent to review traffic camera citations
A new bill in the Oregon Legislature would remove a major barrier to the use of automated photo radar cameras. Current Oregon law requires that every citation issued by a fixed speed camera must be reviewed by a sworn police officer. While well-intentioned, this statute has led to delays in citation processing, higher personnel costs … Read more
Portland Police Association says tragic traffic toll with continue “without proactive enforcement”
The president of the labor union that represents most of the Portland Police Bureau’s rank-and-file officers made a statement earlier this month warning people that a recent personnel shift by Police Chief Chuck Lovell would lead to dangerous conditions on our streets. I just realized today that that person – PPA President Brian Hunzeker — … Read more
Police Chief’s reorganization plan leaves no officers on traffic duty
In late 2020, the Portland Police Bureau was in the center of city politics and this reshuffling of officers has had vast impacts.
A critique of a police statement that blames victim of serious collision
A man is in the hospital with serious injuries following a collision Tuesday night in Clark County. It happened while he was bicycling on a major street in Vancouver about six miles north of Portland. Only 12 hours after it happened the Clark County Sheriff’s Office released a statement that is very troubling. Laced with … Read more
Police chief, union leader warn budget cuts would end Traffic Division
The head of the Portland Police Bureau and the Portland Police Association union have sent out dire warnings about impacts to law enforcement capabilities if a proposal (PDF) for $18 million in budget cuts are passed by council next week. Chief Chuck Lovell and PPA President Daryl Turner have many concerns about the cuts including … Read more
Police budget cuts cripple bike theft response unit
The leader of the Portland Police Police Bureau’s Bike Theft Task Force (BTTF) says the unit has lost its only source of funding and will have to significantly scale back its work for the foreseeable future. Officers with the task force had been doing regular bike registration events in partnership with Portland Parks rangers over … Read more
