Portland to Require Officers to Give Statement on Deadly Force Incidents within 48 Hours

The Portland City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Wednesday that makes clear they won’t follow the legal advice of the Multnomah County district attorney and the Oregon Department of Justice when it comes to investigating police officers’ use of force.

Commissioners unanimously voted to require Portland officers who use deadly force to give a statement to internal affairs investigators within 48 hours of the event.

“We are not picking a fight with the district attorney,” Commissioner Nick Fish said. “Reasonable people can disagree on this question.”

What the city passed Wednesday is a work in progress. It was city leaders’ initial attempt to respond to concerns from the public after an intense hearing last week.

The City Council will further refine what happens after police officers use force with amendments as early as next week.

Following two officer-involved shootings in February, Mayor Ted Wheeler compelled officer testimony within 48 hours, OPB.org reports.