Story Archive

The Thin Green Line

The Portland (Ore.) Police Bureau is having trouble recruiting new officers and public safety specialists. To fill dozens of positions, the department received over 100 applications, of which 61 prospective candidates made it far enough to receive background checks. Out of those, only three applicants passed — one of which took a job elsewhere. The two biggest factors uncovered were dishonesty, and past drug use. Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Oregon, its use is still a federal crime; civilian applicants must not have used it within the last four months, and officers can’t have used it for at least a year. “I think I just discovered where our problem is everybody,” said Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. Department Chief Danielle Outlaw says many applicants prefer to go elsewhere for more money “and less scrutiny.” (MS/Portland Oregonian) ...If federal law changed, they could hire at least 420 new officers.