FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Daryl Turner
503-757-8401 Phone
president@ppavigil.org

Portland, ORE – March 5th, 2013 –

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

Every day, Portland Police officers face dangerous circumstances as they serve and protect our community. In some cases, officers are confronted by dangerous individuals and must act quickly and heroically to save lives. Anytime there’s an officer involved shooting, there are tragic circumstances. We are relieved that the two officers involved in the incident last night are safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of everyone affected by this incident. As the officers go through this difficult time, we will do all that we can to support them.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Daryl Turner
503-757-8401 Phone
president@ppavigil.org

Portland, ORE – February 22^nd, 2013 –

Moving Forward on the Motion to Intervene

 On February 19, 2013, United States District Court Judge Michael Simon granted the PPA’s Motion to Intervene in the lawsuit brought by the United States Department of Justice against the City of Portland, which alleges that Portland Police Officers have engaged in a pattern or practice of violating the constitutional rights of individuals with actual or perceived mental illnesses. The Judge specifically ruled that the PPA is to become a party to any remedy that the USDOJ and City of Portland may seek to implement that would address the United States’ constitutional claims.

This victory is important to our members because we believe that the Proposed Settlement Agreement between the USDOJ and City contains provisions that would seriously undermine our members’ collective bargaining rights. Those rights include officer safety, discipline standards, workload issues, and compensation. For example, the PPA believes that any changes to the PPB’s Use of Force and Taser policies implicate significant officer safety and discipline issues.

Yesterday, Chief Reese circulated ”final drafts” of the PPB’s new Use of Force and Taser polices as part of the PPB’s implementation of USDOJ reforms. Please be clear that the PPA has not been a party to nor have we agreed to these “final drafts” that the PPB has issued! The PPA’s input regarding these policies has been continuously ignored by the PPB, and Chief Reese’s assertion that the policies are a collaborative effort is incorrect. The PPA has sought and will continue to seek changes to the PPB’s versions of the policies, which are fundamentally flawed and will place officers at a safety risk and at risk for baseless discipline.

Although this dispute has been legally complex, the underlying motivation of the PPA has always remained clear. The PPA will fight to ensure that its members’ collective bargaining rights are upheld. We will keep you informed as this matter unfolds.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Daryl Turner
503-757-8401 Phone
president@ppavigil.org

Portland, ORE – February 19, 2013 –

PPA MOTION TO INTERVENE GRANTED

Today US District Judge Michael H. Simon granted the Portland Police Association the right to intervene in the remedy phase of the pending US Department of Justice and City of Portland agreement.

Judge Simon denied the Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition’s motion to intervene. However, he will allow them the opportunity to make recommendations during any negotiations between the PPA, US DOJ, & the City.

From the beginning the goal of the PPA was to be part of a collaborative agreement that continues to meet the evolving needs of the mentally ill in our community; providing resources while considering the safety of the communities we protect and serve.

Obviously, the PPA is eager and willing to work with all parties to resolve issues in a timely manner and to come to an agreement that is in the best interest of the community, the PPA, and the Portland Police Bureau.

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20130219 – Judge Simon Opinion and Order re intervention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Daryl Turner
503-757-8401 Phone
president@ppavigil.org

Portland, ORE – February 13, 2013 –

In Memory Of The Police Officers Who Lost Their Lives In California

In order to become a police officer and remain one, you are held to a higher standard and expected to be perfect in every situation. We must train for dangerous and unpredictable situations that we will most likely face alone.  The men and women of police departments all over the country risk their lives to enforce the law while simultaneously respecting the constitutional rights of citizens so the law abiding can live freely.

Every day hundreds of thousands of police officers kiss their wives, husbands, significant others and children goodbye; put on twenty to forty pounds of gear including a loaded weapon, and earnestly set forth to enforce the law and protect the public, sometimes even protecting a citizen from his or her own actions; all the while knowing that for a handful of officers this will be the last day they ever see their loved ones on earth.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and victims of this most recent tragedy.

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