Troubled Board Formed in Wake of Police Settlement with Feds Taking a Break

The troubled oversight board formed in the wake of Portland's settlement with the Department of Justice over policing practices will be taking a two-month break. The hiatus was agreed to by the city and the Department of Justice.

The break was first reported by The Oregonian.

The Community Oversight Advisory Board, which was formed after the 2012 probe that concluded Portland Police used excessive force against people with mental health issues. has had a somewhat tumultuous relationship with the city.

The board has issued several recommendations to the police bureau related to improving encounters between the officers and people with issues, reducing bias-based reporting, and reducing instances where force was used.

A perceived lack of response from police and city officials has led to frustration on behalf of board members - several of whom have resigned as a result.

The frustration boiled over earlier this month when the remaining board members asked the Department of Justice for a determination that the city was in violation of the settlement agreement.

While that did not happen, the Justice Department did grant a city request to give the board two months off so the city could try and find a way to make it more effective.

A public meeting will be held by the city on September 12th at Marantha Church in Northeast Portland to give people a chance to speak on the topic.