Portland's Police Power Struggle: Who's Really in Control?

Four Years After Public Vote, Council Caves to Police Demands

Portland's city council has finally passed a law to create an independent police review board, four years after voters approved it. The board is intended to oversee the police department, but significant changes have been made to the original plan following lengthy negotiations with the police.

Controversial Restrictions on Board Membership

The police department made major demands, and the council agreed to some of them. Key restrictions include:

• Exclusion of Recent Complainants: Individuals who have filed complaints against the police in the last two years are barred from serving on the board.
• Exclusion of Legal Challengers: Those who have sued the police or the city in the last ten years, along with their family members, are also ineligible.

Critics argue that these rules prevent the most knowledgeable candidates—those with firsthand experience of police misconduct—from participating. Meanwhile, individuals with strong ties to the police remain eligible.

Board's Authority Limited by Police Department

The new board will not have the power to set its own rules. Instead, the police department will dictate its scope and limitations. Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed concern that the police might sue the city if their demands weren't met. However, critics argue that this fear should not justify surrendering to police pressure.

A Broader Issue: Police Power in American Cities

Portland is not alone in grappling with an overpowered police force. Many cities face similar challenges, where police departments operate as de facto governments, wielding significant financial and political influence beyond civilian oversight.

New York City: A Case Study in Police Dominance

New York City's police department is often compared to the Praetorian Guard of ancient Rome—a force tasked with protecting the emperor but known for meddling in politics, even influencing leadership. Many Portland residents, including those who moved from New York, fear their city could follow the same path.

A Weakened Version of What Voters Demanded

In 2022, Portland voters overwhelmingly supported an independent police review board. Yet, the council took four years to implement it—and when they did, the final version was a watered-down compromise that fails to meet public expectations.