City Council approves next step in creating police oversight board after years-long delay

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A new community police oversight board is closer to becoming a reality after a Portland city council vote on Wednesday.

The City of Portland Community Police Oversight Board – which voters strongly backed in 2020 – would be given the power to investigate complaints against Portland Police and impose discipline, including termination of officers.

Funding for the board would come from 5% of Portland Police Bureau’s annual budget.

Board membership would include people from diverse communities, particularly those with lived experience of systemic racism and those who have experienced mental illness, addiction or alcoholism.

However, a court ruling last week placed the board’s fate in the hands of Portland’s new, 12-member city council, which will not be elected until November.

Due to this, the board won’t be up and running until January, meaning crucial oversight and decision-making is on hold.

“I do not believe that 82% of voters who want police accountability support this additional delay that costs time, taxpayer money and stops police reform in its tracks,” said Commissioner Dan Ryan. “My deepest gratitude for all those everyone who spent their valuable time working for a more just law enforcement system in Portland.”

When up and running, the 21-member oversight panel will report to the deputy city administrator, just like other city bureaus.

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