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Sheriffs say they won't help governor's plan to stop Portland protest violence
[KATU] 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." Gov. Brown's plan also said Gresham Police would help with the protest response. KATU reached out to Gresham PD, and they said they are "currently in discussion" on whether or not they will assist the Portland Police Bureau. The Oregon Association Chiefs of Police also spoke out just before 5 p.m. Monday, saying it too "cannot dedicate our limited resources away from the communities we serve." KATU News reached out to Governor Brown's office for a response after the initial statement from Sheriff Roberts was released. They said the plan "is meant to allow for this kind of flexibility in supporting each other as we all collectively deal with the difficult situation in Portland." Posted by: Fred 2020-09-01 |
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