The resignation of Ross Caldwell, the director of Portland’s police oversight agency, marks a significant transition for the city’s Independent Police Review (IPR) office. Caldwell has led the IPR since 2019, responsible for reviewing misconduct complaints lodged against Portland police officers.
Overview of Portland’s Police Oversight Agency
The IPR processes approximately 200 complaints annually, stemming from both the public and fellow officers. These complaints can range from minor issues to serious allegations, including unjustified use of force. A volunteer Citizen Review Committee often reviews these cases.
Caldwell’s Resignation
In a letter addressed to the Citizen Review Committee on January 2, Caldwell announced his resignation, effective January 16. He has accepted another job but did not disclose details. His departure comes as Portland navigates the complexities of police oversight reform.
Challenges Facing the IPR
- The IPR has been in a state of bureaucratic limbo since the 2020 vote by Portland residents to establish a new police accountability system.
- This new system, the Office of Community-based Police Accountability, aims to assume the role of the IPR. However, it is still under development, facing delays due to legal and policy issues.
- As of now, the new office does not have staff, and the volunteer board meant to oversee it has not convened.
In the meantime, IPR staff continue to manage police misconduct inquiries and recommend disciplinary actions. However, the uncertainty regarding their future has created significant frustration and concerns within the agency.
Impact on Staff Morale
In November, IPR employees went on strike amid concerns about job security following the transition to the new oversight system. A tentative agreement was reached, ensuring IPR staff would receive interviews for positions in the forthcoming accountability office.
Caldwell has expressed apprehension about the future of the IPR, indicating that he rejected external job offers because of concerns over staff retention. He stated, “I doubt there are qualified people who would want my position with the uncertainty attached to it.”
Yume Delegato, chair of the Citizen Review Committee, described Caldwell’s exit as a “tremendous loss” for police oversight in Portland. He acknowledged the challenges of sustaining morale among IPR volunteers amid ongoing uncertainty about their roles and responsibilities.
Next Steps
The city is currently working on a plan to support IPR staff and the community during this transition toward a new oversight system. The timeline and specifics of this transition, however, remain unclear.
