PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland police union is trying to block an agreement with the Justice Department to reform training and use-of-force policies.
The Oregonian reports a lawyer for the Portland Police Association filed a motion in federal court to intervene in the settlement agreement the federal government filed Monday. The union argues the changes undermine collective bargaining rights.
Mayor Sam Adams says if any part of the agreement impacts collective bargaining it will work with the Justice Department to determine how to proceed.
The agreement still needs the approval of Judge Michael H. Simon. He has given federal prosecutors until Jan. 22 to respond to the union.
Under the agreement the city would revamp use of Tasers and create an intervention team to deal with the mentally ill.
