Portland Police to pay nearly $700K to ex-official advocating defunding.
A Former Portland City Commissioner Who Pushed to Defund the Police Will Receive a $680,000 Payout from the Police
A former Portland city commissioner, Jo Ann Hardesty, who was a strong advocate for defunding the police, is set to receive a substantial payout of $680,000 from the police department. This comes after she was falsely implicated in a hit-and-run incident, with police officers leaking misleading information to the media.
In March 2021, Hardesty was wrongly identified as the driver involved in a hit-and-run after a mistaken 911 call. However, she was quickly cleared of any involvement in the minor collision. It was revealed that two police officers had leaked false information about Hardesty to various media outlets.
As the first black woman to serve as a Portland city commissioner, Hardesty filed a lawsuit against the city and the police, alleging that the leaks were racially and politically motivated. Her lawsuit sought $5 million in damages and was scheduled to go to trial this month. However, the parties reached a settlement agreement, resulting in the $680,000 payout.
Hardesty expressed her hope that this settlement would prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. She stated, “This settlement holds the Portland Police Association and the individuals accountable for their wrongful conduct and the unnecessary harm they caused.”
The city had previously settled its part of Hardesty’s lawsuit in August, offering $5,000 and a written apology from Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. The police leak also prompted an investigation into its origin, leading to the resignation of the president of the Portland Police Association.
Hardesty’s involvement in the push to defund the police began in 2020 during the riots following the murder of George Floyd. She spearheaded budget cuts of $15 million to the police department and continued to advocate for further reductions. However, due to an increase in homicides and a shortage of police staff, the city eventually increased its police budget.
Despite her efforts, Hardesty lost her reelection bid to another Democrat who campaigned as a law and order centrist. Nevertheless, her impact on the conversation surrounding police funding and accountability remains significant.
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What is the significance of the substantial payout awarded to Jo Ann Hardesty and how does it relate to broader discussions on law enforcement reform and defunding the police
Ia. The incident occurred in March 2021, when Hardesty was falsely accused of being involved in a hit-and-run accident, and the police released a statement suggesting that she was the suspect.
Hardesty, a prominent figure in the community, had been a vocal critic of the police and had called for a significant reduction in their funding. She had argued that the funds should be redirected towards social services and programs that would better serve the needs of marginalized communities. Her stance had garnered widespread attention and support from activists and community members alike.
The false accusation against Hardesty not only damaged her reputation but also caused significant distress and emotional turmoil. It underscored a clear abuse of power and a failure on the part of the police department to uphold their duty of providing accurate and reliable information to the public.
Following the incident, Hardesty filed a lawsuit against the city of Portland, alleging false arrest, false imprisonment, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit claimed that the police department had acted negligently and with malice in spreading false information about her involvement in the hit-and-run incident.
The decision to award Hardesty a substantial payout is a significant acknowledgement of the harm caused to her as a result of the false accusations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of holding law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions and ensuring that they fulfill their duty to serve and protect the public.
However, it is also worth noting that this payout comes at a time when the city of Portland, like many other cities across the United States, is grappling with issues of limited resources and strained budgets. The funds being allocated for this settlement could have potentially been used to address pressing community needs or invest in initiatives that support the most vulnerable populations.
While the payout may provide some measure of justice for Hardesty, it should also prompt a broader discussion about the reform of law enforcement and the need to address systemic issues within police departments. The incident involving Hardesty is just one example of a larger problem of mistrust and misconduct within these institutions.
Efforts to defund the police, such as those advocated by Hardesty, should not be dismissed or trivialized. They offer an opportunity to reimagine public safety and explore alternative approaches that prioritize community well-being and address the root causes of crime. Redirecting funds towards social services, mental health support, and community-led initiatives can have a profound impact on reducing crime rates and creating a safer and more equitable society.
In conclusion, the substantial payout awarded to former Portland city commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty highlights the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the need for reform within police departments. While this settlement provides some justice for Hardesty, it should also serve as a catalyst for change. It is an opportunity to critically examine policies and practices, and to explore alternative approaches to public safety that prioritize the well-being of all community members.
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