Police Practices
Police have the vital and difficult job of protecting public safety. Performing this job effectively does not require sacrificing civil liberties or civil rights. All Oregon police agencies, from the state patrol to city police forces, need to respect the rights of individuals while enforcing the law.
"If the government becomes a law-breaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy."
— Louis Brandeis,
U.S. Supreme Court Justice,
Olmstead v. United States (1928)
Police have the vital and difficult job of protecting public safety. Performing this job effectively does not require sacrificing civil liberties or civil rights. All Oregon police agencies, from the state patrol to city police forces, need to respect the rights of individuals while enforcing the law. And when misconduct occurs, there must be policies and mechanisms for holding police accountable for their actions.
ACLU is also working to eliminate racial and ethnic profiling in police practices that have a disproportionate impact on individuals merely because of their race, color, national origin or religion.
The Latest
Protected: Portland Police Public Records Project
ACLU of Oregon Wins Provisional Class Certification and Preliminary Injunction to Stop DHS Officers from Retaliating Against Nonviolent Protesters and Journalists at Portland ICE Building
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
Know Your Tech
Firewall for Freedom: ACLU of Oregon's Strategic Priorities
Protecting Your Rights Against Unlawful Police Surveillance
Stay Informed
Sign up to be the first to hear about how to take action.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.