Oct. 19, 2016

The U.S. Department of Justice yesterday filed a point-by-point assessment of the extent to which the City of Portland and its police bureau have satisfied the requirements of the agreement that settled DOJ’s lawsuit against the City.

U.S. v. City of Portland was filed in September 2012, after an 18-month DOJ investigation found Portland police had a “pattern or practice” of using excessive, unnecessary force against people with mental illness. By December, under a looming deadline, the City managed to draw up a proposed settlement, the parties signed off, and the lawsuit was dismissed – conditionally. The Court retained jurisdiction, and the City was mandated to meet the terms of the agreement.

Nearly four years later, the DOJ’s new assessment shows progress on some items, a certain sluggishness on others, and serious problems on one in particular – the item concerning the COAB, which is red-flagged for “non-compliance” and “significant barriers” (see image of page 2, below).

The 132-page report details what has been accomplished, but even more – and often in excruciating detail – what remains to be done.

DOWNLOAD PDF – United States v. City of Portland: 2016 Settlement Agreement Compliance Assessment (759KB)

READ ONLINE – United States v. City of Portland: 2016 Settlement Agreement Compliance Assessment