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WHAT to DO: Change the whole thing. (Will take years)

The more the police look and act different then the public, the more they become isolated and detached. The City gets the police quality and outcomes it pays for. Unless the philosophy, objectives, and funding change all problems with the police will keep repeating themselves.

All police citizen interactions would become much different if two officers responded to even the most minor call, (this is would completely change the dynamics of a common traffic stop).

Combine police and fire departments.

Have a team of officers that subdue someone using the same methods now used in prisons (bunch of big guys in armor who rush the crazy person. Take them to the ground, no guns).

Increases public support for funding by guaranteeing that each police dollar spent has the same limits a non-profit.

Ex:"From each dollar only 14% be spent on administration".

Full disclosure of all policies and procedures at public meetings/classes and printed publications.

Got to go to work now (hope I dont get a ticket!)

posted 3 years ago
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CURRENT:I have never met a police officer that took the job because they wanted to be a punching bag every day. Police do exist who took the job because they like violence but I have not met any.

The police office is expensive to train and to maintain. A punch in the face has caused loss of income, disability and (becoming more common in Portland) medical lay-off from the job. To put another way, In today’s world a punch from a 13 year old drunk can cause you to lose your:Job,Retirement,

Medical,

Income bracket,

Home,

Plans to better your children,

Ability to ever work in the only job you have education and experience to do, (try to find a new path at 45-50 ).

Each and every action can lead to an officer’s life being permanently changed forever. The same is true for the citizen that officer is interacting with.

HOWEVER:

All officer interactions with citizens are defined by City policy. City policy has been strongly influenced by past problems and potential for money loss. The normal citizen is has no idea of these polices.

Portland police appear to be a confrontational force, not one of citizen aid.

They are trained-up to project the image of military might; to be in command at all times.

The officer acts as a judge, making summery, on the spot actions that profoundly effects the remainder of a citizen’s long life.

The public sees the police as being a special, protected class. The resentment of their power status, disability and retirement benefits, employment contracts is strong. This public state of mind is crazy-making, (random killing of cop’s).

If a law has been violated then the officer must make an arrest.

posted 3 years ago
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