An independent review of ten deadly force investigations involving Portland Police Bureau officers calls for significant changes in training, accountability, and tactical review processes, according to a newly released report prepared for the City of Portland.
The City’s Independent Police Review published the findings of the Office of Independent Review Group, an external panel of experts. The report examines officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths that occurred between 2019 and 2022. It offers detailed analysis of each case and identifies systemic issues within the Police Bureau’s investigative, training, and tactical practices.
Seven key recommendations are outlined in the report. Among the most urgent, the reviewers called for all officer-involved shooting reviews to explicitly assess pre-shooting tactical decisions, with commanders and the Police Review Board required to make formal findings on whether officer actions aligned with policy and training standards. Another recommendation urged collaboration with emergency dispatch leadership to improve the way 9-1-1 operators communicate signs of potential self-harm or suicidal intent by individuals during police encounters.
The report is based on full access to investigative records, training documents, and internal materials. Reviewers also interviewed members of the Portland Police Bureau, Independent Police Review staff, and community representatives. The group has now reviewed 75 critical incidents in Portland over the past 15 years.
Officials said the report’s findings highlight patterns in the way deadly force cases are handled and underscore the need for broader accountability measures. The recommendations aim to prevent avoidable uses of deadly force and improve both officer and community safety.
Among the seven key recommendations from the report:
• Explicitly evaluate pre-shooting tactical decision making in every officer-involved shooting review, with formal findings from commanders and the Police Review Board on whether tactics were consistent with training and policy.
• Work with the Bureau of Emergency Communications to develop a training bulletin for dispatchers on recognizing and conveying to officers when a subject may be attempting “suicide by cop.”
• Create a formal process for centralized review and documentation of all recommendations stemming from critical incidents to ensure implementation and follow-through.
• Develop a comprehensive drone program to improve suspect location and assessment capabilities during high-risk incidents.
• Update notification protocols for officer-involved shootings to guarantee timely communication with oversight bodies such as Professional Standards Division.
• Re-examine training doctrine to better align with the Bureau’s staffing realities, particularly where limited personnel may pressure officers to proceed without adequate backup.
• Expand leadership development and supervisory training, especially for acting sergeants or officers likely to assume command during critical incidents.
These recommendations are intended to improve officer readiness, enhance public safety, and ensure accountability in Portland’s response to deadly force encounters.
The Office of Independent Review Group presented its findings and recommendations to Portland City Council during two public meetings held earlier this week. A work session took place on Wednesday, January 28, followed by a formal presentation and discussion during the regular City Council meeting on Thursday, January 29, where public testimony was accepted.
City Council meetings are held in a hybrid format, allowing for in-person attendance or remote participation online or on television. Additional information is available on the Council Clerk’s website, by calling (503) 823-4082, or by emailing [email protected]. Accommodations can be arranged through the City’s 3-1-1 program or by calling (503) 823-4000. TTY access is available via Oregon Relay Service at 7-1-1.
As Portland continues to confront issues of police accountability and public safety, officials said the release of this external review marks an important step toward improving how deadly force incidents are examined,
