Should Oregon Hide the Names of Officers Who Shoot Dangerous People?

We ask candidates for Portland mayor about House Bill 4087.

The Big Number: 90

That's the minimum number of days any Oregon law enforcement agency could withhold the name of an officer involved in a fatal shooting if the agency can convince a judge a "credible threat" against the officer exists, under new rules being mulled by the Oregon Legislature.

Lawmakers have rushed to protect the identity of the Oregon State Police trooper who killed Arizona militant LaVoy Finicum on Jan. 26.

But House Bill 4087 applies far beyond the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge case.

Law enforcement watchdogs warn it's a major step back in transparency after shootings by police—agencies would be allowed to request multiple 90-day extensions of the deadline to release an officer's name.

One Question for Portland Mayoral Candidates

Do you support the bill to shield officers' names? Why or why not?

Would you support using the bill's provisions to shield the names of Portland police officers who use deadly force?

Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler: "I support HB 4087 because it requires court approval to protect an officer and the officer's family if there is a credible threat against them. For example, officers involved in the Harney County episode are now facing threats from a group that has already shown a disregard for the law and a propensity to use firearms to achieve their aims. It seems like this law would be sensibly applied in a case like this. That said, I would not seek to exploit this law as mayor to shield officers from public accountability, which I see as a separate and important issue."

Jules Bailey, Multnomah County Commissioner: Supports HB 4087

David Schor, lawyer for the Oregon Department of Justice: "I'm opposed to HB 4087. I don't believe it serves the public interest to reduce transparency in our government, particularly when deadly force is involved."

Jessie Sponberg, activist: "HB 4087 honestly bothers me very much. The biggest disconnect between the police and the community is accountability and transparency. This would be another tool to further insulate officers who are already too insulated. My campaign is built on the legacy of Portlanders like James Chasse, Kendra James, James Perez, Aaron Campbell and others who have been killed by cops—and those are the souls I will take into office with me."

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.