Right now PPA and the City of Portland are negotiating the next Police Union Contract. They have stated observers like me cannot record or blog about this meeting. Instead, let me tell you about the most problematic parts of Portland Police’s current contract:

When an Portland Police officer is under investigation for misconduct, the interrogation location is dictated by PPA. The conduct of investigator is restricted, the duration of the interrogation is limited, and officers under investigation are compensated for their time.

When investigated, Portland police officers are given a copy of the interrogation documentation for personal review. In addition, the officer is furnished with the names of all witnesses and complainants that will appear or make statements against them.

If the civilian oversight board investigates an officer in addition the the Bureau and proposes discipline, that discipline is not documented in the officer’s file. Also, the city’s Employee Information System cannot be used in investigation.

One of the most notable clauses in the PPA contract is the city cannot discipline a police officer in a method that the officer finds embarrassing in front of their fellow officers or the public. This clause is vague, and objectively bad.

Finally, the city will pay for all costs to the officer as a result of attorney and legal proceedings as a direct result of criminal charges or investigation of action while one duty.

That’s your tax dollars Portland.