Portland, Ore. police face federal investigation
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into allegations of excessive force by police in Oregon.
Assistant U.S. Attorney General Thomas Perez announced Wednesday in Portland that federal investigators will determine whether there is any pattern of civil rights violations by Portland Police Bureau officers.
In a statement issued with the announcement, federal officials said they have conducted similar reviews in other states to ensure compliance with federal law -- including New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and California.
Perez said in a letter to Portland Mayor Sam Adams dated Wednesday that investigators will first talk to police before talking to community organizations and others.
