Doj Settlement Agreement Portland

DOJ Settlement Agreement Portland: What You Need to Know

In September 2020, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a settlement agreement with the city of Portland, Oregon, regarding the use of excessive force by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) during protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

The agreement, which is designed to reform the PPB`s use of force policies and practices, came after months of protests that drew national attention and condemnation for the police response. But what exactly does the settlement agreement entail? Here`s what you need to know.

Improving Use of Force Policies

One of the key elements of the settlement agreement is the development of new policies and procedures for the use of force by PPB officers. These new policies must comply with constitutional and federal law standards and must prioritize the protection of human life and the safety of officers and the public.

The agreement requires the PPB to review and revise its existing policies on the use of force, crowd management, and other related topics to ensure that they comply with these standards. The PPB is also required to provide training to its officers on the new policies and to implement a system for tracking and reporting incidents of use of force.

Community Engagement

Another important aspect of the settlement agreement is its emphasis on community engagement and accountability. The PPB is required to create a Community Oversight Advisory Board to provide input and feedback on police policies and practices, as well as to review use of force incidents and provide recommendations for improvement.

The PPB must also establish a system for tracking complaints and commendations from the public, and it must provide regular reports to the Community Oversight Advisory Board and the public on its use of force practices.

Tactical Changes

The settlement agreement also requires the PPB to make tactical changes to its response to protests and demonstrations. For example, the PPB is prohibited from using tear gas, except in limited circumstances, and it must provide adequate warning before using any other crowd control measures.

The PPB is also required to limit the use of impact munitions like rubber bullets and to use them only as a last resort. Additionally, the PPB is required to ensure that officers are properly trained on the use of these weapons and that their use is documented and reported.

Conclusion

The DOJ settlement agreement with Portland represents a significant step forward in the effort to reform police practices and ensure accountability for excessive use of force. While much work remains to be done, the new policies and procedures required by the agreement have the potential to make a real difference in how the PPB interacts with the community it serves.

As citizens, it`s important to stay informed about these issues and to hold our elected officials and law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions. By working together, we can continue to push for meaningful reform and a more just and equitable society for all.