This latest report from the OIR Group contains an in-depth analysis of each incident and common themes that warrant further attention from the Police Bureau.
The report covers officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occurred in 2018 and 2019. The OIR Group provided the Police Bureau with 18 recommendations, including that the Police Bureau:
- Gather statements from known witnesses to critical incidents, or should clearly document any unsuccessful efforts at doing so.
- When there is a reference to an earlier incident involving the same parties in an officer-involved shooting investigation, reports and other information relating to that earlier event should be collected and included in the investigative file.
- Whenever a situation presents itself where one officer decides to use deadly force and other on-scene officers do not, the Bureau should fully inquire about this dichotomy during its investigation and review.
- Change its protocols to ensure that tactical decision making that precedes a use of force is a formal area of review in each officer-involved shooting or in-custody death.
The OIR Group had complete access to the Police Bureau’s criminal and administrative investigations, training materials, and other relevant documents. Over the course of this review, the OIR Group met with Portland Police Bureau members, Independent Police Review staff, and community members.
This is the OIR Group’s eighth report for the City. They have reviewed a total of 65 critical incidents involving the Police Bureau over the past 12 years.
The OIR Group will present their report and recommendations before City Council at 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, April 19. City Council is currently holding hybrid meetings with options to attend in-person or watch online or on TV. Please visit the Council Clerk’s website or call (503) 823-4082 for more information about visiting City Hall or watching the City Council meeting.
The OIR Group will also be attending at a Citizen Review Committee meeting on May 3, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. to answer questions about the report.
The full report is available online.
View previous OIR Group reports on our website.
Contact Michael Gennaco of the OIR Group: (323) 821-0586