by University Communications
July 3rd 2018
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Dear Campus Community,
I would like to update you on developments following Friday’s officer-involved shooting. First, however, I want to express my deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Washington and to all others impacted. The ongoing investigation by the Portland Police Bureau limits what we can say, but I want to make clear that we fully recognize the severity of what occurred. We encourage students, faculty and staff to utilize our support services and campus resources.
As I mentioned to you Friday, our focus remains on determining the facts. We are moving forward quickly to appoint an independent agency to conduct a top-to-bottom review and evaluation of this incident as well as our policies and procedures. We continue to cooperate with the Portland Police Bureau investigation. Once that is complete, the findings will go to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for review. Separate from that process, however, we believe that an outside assessment and potential recommendations ultimately will help enhance our campus security.
We have contacted the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the U.S. Attorney’s office and others to help us develop an external review. I will announce more details as they are finalized.
We also have had many questions about why we have sworn armed campus police officers as part of our Campus Public Safety Office. Here is a summary of frequently asked questions and answers that help explain the history of that decision and details of campus safety issues.
https://www.pdx.edu/insidepsu/updated-campus-safety-faq
I will continue to communicate developments, and I thank those who have shared their questions and concerns with my office in the past several days.
Thank you,
Rahmat Shoureshi
President