OACP News

We've been on a mission to discover creative ways agencies around the state are engaging with their community during these challenging times.

We've learned that Chief Steven Romero, Ontario PD, through their Facebook platform, has used these two key methods for civic engagement:

• Minute with the Chief - a commentary approach that allows the public to directly communicate with the Chief of Police regarding community specific topics or concerns. This promotes an open and transparent discourse. Click here to view.
• Public Service Announcements (PSA's) - Due to lack of local cable networks or major news networks to draw from for video engagement, they developed their own PSA's with the support of a local videographer. Click here to view.

Because of the fiscally challenged region, it's been necessary for their agency to connect creatively in other ways. The following two youth outreaches, although put on hold during this time, have been successful programs:

• Teaching Tuesdays - OPD collaborates with Kiwanis International, Ontario Recreation District, and Friends of the Owyhee to provide instruction and mentorship services to area youth at their local Boys and Girls Club.
• Cobras Wrestling and Development Club - Created by Chief Romero, this sports/academic development opportunity serves "at-risk" youth and acts as a pipeline to public safety careers. The Chief is the primary development instructor and is assisted by public safety professionals and world class athletes for the development of the students. 

We will continue to use this platform to highlight the good work agencies around Oregon are involved in. Let us know how your agency is engaging and making a difference in your community.One of our favorite things to do is share these with fellow members. 

Oregon News

Hundreds of Oregon National Guard soldiers return home after overseas deployments
The Oregonian
Over the last two days, some 300 soldiers with the Oregon National Guard have returned home from their overseas deployments.
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Governor calls for tougher enforcement of Oregon mandates - or new restrictions are coming
Salem Reporter
Gov. Kate Brown said Friday that Oregonians aren’t doing enough to get the coronavirus under control, urging local authorities to start enforcing her orders and warning business closures and even longer delays in school openings could be coming.
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Competing protests face off in Hermiston
East Oregonian
Rising tensions pushed a Black Lives Matter protest and counter-protest in Hermiston late into the night on Friday, Aug. 21.
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Last jail in Oregon to house immigration detainees to end ICE contract
The Oregonian
The last Oregonian jail to house federal immigration detainees is taking steps to gradually discontinue the practice.
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Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton to retire Nov. 1
The Oregonian
Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton announced on Tuesday that he will retire effective Nov. 1.
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National News

Church, police partner for food project
The Mount Airy News
Although a new church is just getting started in Mount Airy, it already has made a difference in the community during a time of crisis. This involved a food collection and delivery effort Wednesday spearheaded by that church — known as The Place of New Life — and carried out with the help of Mount Airy Police Department members.
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Mayor and CPS chief unveil reforms for cops-in-schools program
Chicago Sun Times
Police officers in Chicago Public Schools will now have to pass more stringent background checks and complaints against them will be investigated by an independent police oversight board instead of police supervisors, CPS officials and Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday.
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Cops in Miami, NYC arrest protesters from facial recognition matches
ARS Technica
Law enforcement in several cities, including New York and Miami, have reportedly been using controversial facial recognition software to track down and arrest individuals who allegedly participated in criminal activity during Black Lives Matter protests months after the fact.
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In support of community policing
Las Vegas Sun
Over the past several weeks, a constant stream of family, friends and community members has asked me the same question: “Does community policing really work?” As a police chief and longtime law enforcement leader, my answer is always: “Absolutely!”
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