In 2020, Portland voters approved Measure 26-217, by an overwhelming vote of 82%, establishing a Police Accountability Commission to create a police accountability oversight system. The Police Accountability Commission created an independent investigative body called the Community Board for Police Accountability (CBPA). The public has been waiting the past three years for the CBPA to be established. The Police Accountability Commission reported back to City Council on September 21 with their report and recommendations for the new Board. City Council then had 60 days to make any amendments prior to November 19th.
Let City Council know that you respect the work of the CBPA and urge them to adopt the proposed CBPA report in full without changes that might weaken it. The Commission held 120 meetings with testimony from over 1500 citizens in preparation for drafting the responsibilities and powers of the new independent police oversight group. Nevertheless, the report could have pushback from the Police Union as well as City Council.
“I promised to be the uncensored voice of the community that has been over-policed because people of color don’t have to commit a crime to experience being targeted by police excessive force. My entire life prepared me for this moment”. Charlie Michelle-Westley, an Indigenous woman and former Police Accountability Commissioner. She emphasized the importance of putting public pressure on Portland City Council leaders so that the Community Board for Police Accountability is not compromised after such a strong showing of public support for police accountability.
