PORTLAND — The City of Portland has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice on reforms to the police bureau.
The Justice Department concluded in September that Portland police have a pattern of using excessive force when dealing with people with mental illnesses. Since then, agency officials have been trying to reach a settlement with city leaders on needed police reforms.
The deal announced Friday calls for additional oversight of the police bureau, including the creation of a 15-member Community Oversight Advisory Board.
Among other changes, the bureau will add two mobile crisis units. The units pair an officer with a mental health worker.
The agreement will go before City Council for a first review Thursday.
