Statement by Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese
I strongly support the right to demonstrate and for people to use their individual
and collective voices to express grief, outrage and a call for action. Over the last
few months, I’ve had the opportunity to join those marching against oppression
and racism, and to meet with community members and leaders to have an open
and honest conversation about the change that is needed in our community. I am
listening to concerns and ideas on how we can build a safe, equitable and
accountable public safety system free of racism.
Since May 29th, there have been large gatherings of peaceful protesters who have
elevated these injustices to a necessary and consequential level. There has also
been a smaller group who have engaged in criminal behavior such as setting fires,
vandalism and assaults. We have had violence directed at those responsible for
protecting the adults in custody, the medical staff providing health care and
rehabilitative services, and those in custody themselves.
As a practical matter, protests are among the most difficult events to manage in
policing today. The police have a responsibility to safeguard the right of people to
assemble and engage in free speech, while balancing other rights guaranteed in
our Constitution, including maintaining public order by preventing rioting, arson
and other illegal activity.
“On Friday August 7th, the District Attorney provided me a draft of his protest
case policy. Our email exchange is included as part of this statement/public
records request.”
Sheriff Mike Reese