Decision May Violate Officers’ Rights
Portland Police officers who use deadly force are now required to speak with internal affairs investigators within 48 hours of the incident. This comes after a unanimous decision by the Portland City Council.
Although this change is supported by Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Nick Fish, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill said compelling statements before a criminal investigation is a violation of an officer’s rights.
The decision goes against all research results of the last 20 years that shows officers can have gaps in memory for up to three days after a critical incident. Street Roots News Editor-in-Chief Travis Yates notes with some sarcasm that an inaccurate portrayal of the events must the desired outcome for this new rule.
“It’s crazy to think that all of the research and data indicates that it takes time for the psychological effects that occur in a critical incident to subside for all of one’s memory to return and there are those that want to ignore that research,” Yates said. “The only reason I can think of anyone wanting to force someone shortly after a highly stressed event to talk is that they want a story that will be seen as inaccurate later in the investigation. You have to ask yourself why anyone would want that and I think the intent is clear. They want to call cops liars when the truth is, they couldn’t wait a mere two days to get a more accurate depiction.”
Yates is encouraging officers to have a lawyer present at the hearings. He also warns that officials who put this new rule into action should get ready, because “lawsuits will be flying.”
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FOP- Lawyer present always recommended! It is many times a thin line between Administrative and Criminal Investigations! Highly Recommend also Blue Line Lawyer on web loads of resources too!