![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Portland Police
Apr. 24th, 2004 07:55 pmThere's been a lot of coverage in the news recently of a case in which a Portland cop shot (and killed) an unarmed man during a traffic stop which lasted just 24 seconds. Portland police are getting a reputation for shooting when maybe they shouldn't. Of course there is always an investigation, and of course the cop is always found justified in his actions. It's not my call, but I have to say that as a citizen I'm not feeling inclined to trust Portland Police with my life.
Now I find this story, in which a Portland cop beat up an unarmed, blind, 71-year-old woman. I can't give this cop the benefit of any doubt. If he felt threatened by this woman, he shouldn't be a cop. At least he didn't shoot and kill her. In this case, for once, the city agreed that the force was excessive, and offered a cash settlement rather than risk a court hearing in which "the City may be found liable."
I want to trust my local police. I know they have a job to do, I just think there have been too many incidents in recent years in which they have done their jobs extremely badly.
Now I find this story, in which a Portland cop beat up an unarmed, blind, 71-year-old woman. I can't give this cop the benefit of any doubt. If he felt threatened by this woman, he shouldn't be a cop. At least he didn't shoot and kill her. In this case, for once, the city agreed that the force was excessive, and offered a cash settlement rather than risk a court hearing in which "the City may be found liable."
I want to trust my local police. I know they have a job to do, I just think there have been too many incidents in recent years in which they have done their jobs extremely badly.
