August 31, 2020 | by KATU Staff |
“Sheriffs say they won’t help governor’s plan to stop Portland protest violence”
“CLACKAMAS, Ore. – The sheriffs of Clackamas and Washington County say they will not send staff to help with protests in Portland after Oregon Governor Kate Brown unveiled a plan to address the violence at protests.
The plan called on several local law enforcement agencies to help, including the sheriff’s offices of Washington and Clackamas counties.
Clackamas Co. Sheriff Craig Roberts said the governor didn’t approach his office before rolling out the plan, intended to address the violence and arson while also protecting free speech.
“Increasing law enforcement resources in Portland will not solve the nightly violence and now, murder,” the sheriff said. “The only way to make Portland safe again, is to support a policy that holds offenders accountable for their destruction and violence.”
Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett cited several risks that led to the decision, including “the lack of political support for public safety, the uncertain legal landscape, the current volatility combined with intense scrutiny on use of force…”
“…We would propose the following as steps to bring an end to the criminal acts and violence in Portland beginning with a strong statement by elected leadership at all levels that criminal acts are not legitimate protest and that those who commit crimes will be held accountable. There must be support for Law Enforcement actions, through preventative detention and prosecution, when criminal violators are arrested. Finally, there must be publicly voiced support for Law Enforcement and its efforts to protect lawful protesters and hold criminal violators accountable in a very difficult environment.” –From joint statement from the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police source
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