September 26, 2016 - The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon applauds the Oregon sheriffs and chiefs of police for their statement today supporting a new approach to drug policy in our state, including a recommendation to charge drug possession as a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
 

"Longer criminal sentences are not always the path to justice, safety, or solving challenging social problems."

Kimberly McCullough, legislative director at the ACLU of Oregon, said:
 
“We are encouraged that Oregon law enforcement recognize that harsh drug laws have been a failure, wasting taxpayer money and disproportionately impacting communities of color. Criminalization does not help people struggling with addiction and often exacerbates their problems. There are more effective ways to use Oregon’s limited resources to address this public health issue.”
 
David Rogers, executive director at the ACLU of Oregon, said:
 
“Longer criminal sentences are not always the path to justice, safety, or solving challenging social problems. I am pleased to see Oregon law enforcement leaders promoting a smarter approach in our state. Policies that prevent people from rebuilding their lives are bad for Oregon. When someone is charged with a felony drug crime it can follow them for life, preventing access to housing, employment, education, and more.”

Date

Monday, September 26, 2016 - 12:45am

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Criminal Justice

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Court Rules Warrant Is Required to Access Drug Prescription Database

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October 4, 2016 -  The Portland City Council will soon vote on whether to ratify an agreement with the Portland Police Association about a new police union contract and a draft body camera policy. The agreement creates a serious risk that body cameras will not serve as a tool for accountability in Portland by giving the Portland Police Association too much power over the contents of the body camera policy. Because of this, and concerns that the public was shut out of negotiations over the police union contract, we have asked the Portland City Council not to ratify the agreement. 
 
Police body cameras have the potential to serve as a much-needed police oversight tool, but if the technology is to be effective at providing oversight, reducing police abuses, and increasing community trust, it is vital that the cameras be deployed with good policies to ensure they accomplish those goals. Without good policies, body cameras risk becoming just another police surveillance device—and one with very real potential to invade privacy. Especially important are policies governing when the cameras are turned on, and who has access to the footage and under what conditions. 
 
The City's current draft body camera policy says that police officers can review footage BEFORE writing their reports. We strongly oppose this because, among other concerns, it can taint or distort officer’s testimony. 
 
Police reform advocates and the public at large deserve to have a meaningful say in the creating the policy that governs police body cams. Furthermore, City Council—not the Portland Police Association and the Portland Police Bureau—should be given the final say on the body camera policy. The policy will determine whether body cameras are used as a tool to prosecute and surveil members of the public or to reduce police violence and misconduct. It is crucial that we get this right.

Date

Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - 12:15am

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PDF icon Body_camera_policy_recs.pdf
PDF icon ACLUOR_Comments_Body_Cam.pdf
PDF icon Portland_City_Council_Testimony_BodyCam.pdf

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Join us for the Liberty Dinner with Angela Davis!

The 2018 ACLU of Oregon Liberty Dinner is a chance to pay tribute to fundamental rights. It’s a chance to honor the important leaders among us. And it’s a chance to resist.

We are excited to announce this year’s Liberty Dinner keynote will be delivered by the iconic political activist, author and scholar, Angela Davis.

ACLU of Oregon Liberty Dinner
"Reimagining Justice" featuring Angela Davis

Friday, March 9, 2018
5:30 p.m.
Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom
777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232

Purchase tickets >>

Angela Davis
An influential figure of the civil rights movement and co-founder of Critical Resistance, Angela Davis came to be a prominent leader of counterculture activism in the 1960s. She continues to be a leading voice in conversations about feminism, social consciousness, and resistance.

We expect this event to sell out, so get your tickets now!

The Liberty Dinner includes a dinner and an auction, along with powerful conversations around the theme of Reimagining Justice. ASL interpreters and open captioning will be provided. Wheelchair, scooters, and hearing devices available upon request.

Presenting Sponsor: Mike Novasio
Fighter for Justice Sponsors: Ayers Creek Farm and Don Powell
Constitutional Champion Sponsor: Morel Ink 

By clicking on the ticket purchase links, you will be taken to GreaterGiving to complete your transaction.

Event Date

Friday, March 9, 2018 - 5:30pm

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Venue

Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom

Address

777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97232
United States

Phone

503.552.2101

E-mail address

shunter@aclu-or.org

Website

Click here to purchase tickets or sponsorships

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Date

Friday, March 9, 2018 - 5:30pm

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