October 7, 2014
The Portland Human Rights Commission (HRC) supports Mayor Hales' appointment of Asst. Chief Larry O’Dea as the new Chief of Police when Mike Reese retires in January 2015.
We recognize Asst. Chief O’Dea’s storied support of equity and inclusion within the Portland Police Bureau and his alignment with HRC’s mission of eliminating discrimination and fostering inclusion. Based on our experience, we HRC recognizes Asst. Chief O'Dea's compassion, empathy, and understanding; qualities that will serve the Police Bureau and community well.
We hope to see him continue the successful work that has been accomplished around racial equity through the HRC's Community and Police Relations Committee (CPRC), such as the institutional racism trainings that have been provided to command staff and sergeants. Asst. Chief O'Dea has been instrumental as both a member of the CPRC and command staff in moving this work forward and has communicated his vision of a shift from enforcement policing to relationship-based policing.
HRC also looks forward to working with Asst. Chief O'Dea in his new role on key opportunities for the Police Bureau that exist through the implementation of and compliance with the DOJ agreement. We recognize that his appointment arrives at a time when the Portland community and this country hold high expectations around continuing to improve community and police relations, accountability, policies, and practices.
Acknowledging Chief Reese’s service to the city, we look forward to continued momentum with Asst. Chief O'Dea.
The Portland Human Rights Commission works to eliminate discrimination and bigotry, to strengthen inter-group relationships, and to foster greater understanding, inclusion, and justice for those who live, work, study, worship, travel and play in the City of Portland.
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