Today Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman reinstated Officer Chris Humphreys of the Portland Police Bureau to active duty after first suspending him pending an investigation into excessive use of force. 

The decision only serves to underscore this simple truth: the Portland Police Bureau is not under the control of the Police Chief or Saltzman, who was appointed Police Commissioner when Mayor Sam Adams assumed office. Rather, it is the Portland Police Association, the police union, which effectively runs the bureau. 

Humphreys was originally placed on leave after shooting a 12-year old girl with a bean bag gun. He was also one of the officers involved in the 2006 death of James Chasse, a Portlander who died violently in police custody.

Today’s statements of support for Saltzman’s decision from other members of the Portland City Council simply demonstrate the lack of effective leadership among our elected officials. 

I applaud the Albina Ministerial Alliance for their public stance against the use of excessive force by the Portland Police and join my voice with those concerned about the lack of leadership we now see across Portland. 

Last week I shared these concerns with Mayor Adams in a telephone conversation.

Like all Portlanders, I have respect for the majority of Portland Police who act professionally and risk their lives in the line of duty.  But citizens (especially clergy) have a moral obligation to point out flaws in how we govern ourselves and protect our city.

Related Link: Portland Police Starting To Look Like "A Bunch Of Out-Of-Touch Thugs"

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Related Link: Portland Police Bureau Out Of Control