City Hall Approves Controversial New Portland Police Contract

New contract offers raises to police and strikes the 48-hour rule.

By Rachel Monahan

Over the objections of protesters, Portland City Council today approved a new police contract that offers substantial pay hikes to police officers and strikes the 48-hour rule that allowed officers two days to consult with an attorney in the event of a police-involved shooting.

The rule has long been a symbol of a lack for advocates of police accountability, but the contract sparked repeated protests, including this morning, over—among other objections—the new draft policy on the use body cameras for police.

Related: What's Wrong With the New Police Union Contract?

After a disruption, Mayor Charlie Hales moved the council session before holding the vote behind closed doors.

Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz joined Hales to support the deal. Commissioner Steve Novick opposed it. Commissioner Dan Saltzman was absent for Yom Kippur.

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