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Although Mayor Hales did not include the Portland Police Bureau Mounted Patrol in the 2013-14 budget, those who have never been pushed up against a wall by a 1200 pound animal, or felt a hoof while expressing their rights, decided that the Mounted Patrol must continue to exist. Bob Ball, a local developer and reserve police officer, set up a FaceBook page titled "Friends of the Portland Mounted Patrol." The goal was to raise $400,000. By early July, over $200,000 in donations and pledges had been raised, with one individual offering to supply hay for the horses. One event, "The Pony Up Open Barn Fundraiser" raised $14,000 from those who saw riding demonstrations, had photo opportunities with the horses and saw where they lived (Portland Mercury, June 27). Sponsors include many well known names in the Portland business community, and, of course, Portland Clean and Safe. In an effort to also include the little people, Ball stated, "It's not just deep pockets though that are funding the effort, we've had so many people give in $10, $15, $20 amounts, just everyday people who are giving what they can" (Oregonian, July 3). Subsequent to the notice of the successful fundraising, Mayor Hales "embraced their offer," and Chief Reese, who originally had the Mounted Patrol on his cut list, shifted some officers to keep the Patrol staffed... although there are now two fewer officers riding the horses (Mercury, May 21).
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Portland Copwatch once again had an "official" copwatching presence at the 2013 May Day march on May 1. Like many of the permitted May Day events after the 2000 debacle (PPR #21), there was no major misconduct observed. In fact, the officers, who usually huddle closely around the "Black Bloc," seemed to be more evenly spread out and perhaps thus less edgy this year. Only non- Portland Police officers were seen missing nametags, which is still a problem, and the Identification Division continues to video the crowds in apparent violation of state law prohibiting collection of information on people's political affiliations (ORS 181.575). Earlier in the day, an unpermitted march was called at Terry Schrunk Plaza, kitty-corner to Central Precinct. The organizers, obviously armed with nothing more than a sense of humor, apparently embarked on "the world's shortest protest march" and arrived across the street at the new federal building without incident. Despite the claims of Mayoral aide Chad Stover, who told PCW that "nothing happened," in point of fact, people expressed their First Amendment rights and made a political statement. It is unfortunate that people in the City's bureaucracy think that police need to attack protestors to be able to say that "something happened."
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In mid-July, the Oregon Court of Appeals declared that searches of cars, including attached devices such as trailers, can be conducted by police when they "encounter" a motorist, even if the vehicle is not moving and the person is not in the vehicle. Jerry Finlay was exiting a restaurant when officers arrested him 100 feet away from his truck and trailer. They searched both and found drugs in the trailer. Although a lower court ruled the evidence was obtained improperly, the Appeals Court ruling essentially expands Oregon's case law on this issue (Oregonian, July 21).
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The Portland Police Associaiton initially agreed to barganing sessions similar to the rules established in 2010, at which the City and the PPA would alternate hosting meetings so that when held in City buildings, the meetings are public (PPR #52). However, when the first meeting in a City facility was scheduled for August 1, the PPA filed an unfair labor practice complaint, claiming the City unilaterally declared the meetings would be open. Then they failed to show up for the appointment. On August 14, the PPA announced (via the Rap Sheet) that they had come to an agreement with the City... to do exactly what was proposed in the first place. The first public meeting was held August 15 and involved discussion about performance evaluations, a longstanding community concern. back to top |
September, 2013
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Portland Copwatch Portland Copwatch is a grassroots, volunteer organization promoting police accountability through citizen action.
People's Police Report
#60 Table of Contents
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