Everything was used by the police association to gain an upper hand for the City’s latest bargain agreement. There seems to be some positive news. “The city and Portland Police Association negotiators are happy to announce that they have reached a tentative agreement for a new collective bargaining agreement,” the parties said in a joint statement. “This tentative agreement is an investment in accountable and forward-thinking policing and includes the ability for Portland Street Response to move forward and provides for a new discipline guide.” Portland and the Portland Police Association announced Friday afternoon they had reached a deal on their collective bargaining agreement.
On Feb. 17, the agreement will be brought to the Portland City Council for public testimony, according to the joint statement. The following week, Feb. 24, the council is expected to vote on the ordinance. 82% of Portland voters supported proposed changes to the City of Portland’s Charter to establish a new independent police oversight board to provide accountability & policy recommendations for Portland Police Bureau.
This past December, The Police Accountability Commission began meeting regularly. The Commission has up to 18 months to send recommendations to the Portland City Council covering all the operational details of the final oversight board. Meetings are open for public observation. Most of the contract negotiation meetings between the city and the PPA have happened behind closed doors. But Portlanders could still learn what transpired during those conversations.
Mayor Wheeler’s $7.8M Public Safety Spending Plan Includes 636 Body Cameras and a $25,000 Hiring Bonus for Portland Police Recruits. “The public needs to know what’s going on,” the mayor said. “They need to see the sausage-making.”“We are long overdue for a reimagining of what community safety looks like, created by and for the community.”Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty states.
“As we develop a community safety system, we can all get behind, we will start by admitting our failure to provide residents—both unhoused and housed—with a mental health system that delivers results for those who suffer.” Commissioner Dan Ryan adds. Additionally Commissioner Carmen Rubio reply’s, “I am committed to working with stakeholders, community advocates and my colleagues to reimagine a community safety system that is right for Portland, and to make progress on dismantling the systemic racism that excludes more residents from participating in their government.”
“I am dedicated to reforming and reimagining public safety to ensure a safe and resilient Portland. I look forward to working with the other Commissioners and public safety staff to create systems that are reflective of Portland’s core values.“ said Commissioner Mingus Mapps.
