PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Police Bureau is creating a crisis intervention team and updating its written policy on the use of Taser stun guns in response to a U.S. Department of Justice investigation that found officers too frequently use excessive force against the mentally ill.
The Police Bureau said Wednesday all officers will continue to be trained in how to deal with the mentally ill, but a specialized team with "enhanced" skills will be dispatched when a mental health issue is the main reason for the call.
The Justice Department investigated whether Portland police engaged in a "pattern or practice" of excessive force when dealing with the mentally ill.
Agency officials concluded such a pattern exists, and have been trying to reach a settlement with city leaders on needed police reforms.
